Metal–organic
frameworks (MOFs) are highly promising in
many areas. Their application and postsynthesis under strong oxidative
environments are emerging. However, the stability, physicochemical
property evolution, and possible postmodification and postsynthesis
of MOFs in strong oxidative solutions are largely unknown. In this
paper, the behaviors of a series of MOFs in bubbled aqueous ozone
(O3) solutions are studied. The chosen MOFs are categorized
into trimesic type including MIL-101(Fe) and MIL-96(Al); terephthalic
type including MOF-74(Co), UiO-66(Zr), MIL-53(Al), and MIL-101(Cr);
and imidazole type including ZIF-67(Co) and ZIF-8(Zn), based on the
ligand structure. The intrinsic stability and evolution of the physicochemical
properties of these MOFs during aqueous O3 treatment are
elucidated using structural, morphological, textural, thermal, and
spectroscopic analyses. Several stable, metastable, and instable MOFs
are identified. The critical parameters that determine the stability
and capability for postsynthesis of these MOFs in aqueous O3 solutions are discussed. The stability follows the general order
of trimesic-type > terephthalic-type ≫ imidazole-type MOFs
because of the distinct antioxidation capability of the ligands. The
effects of the ligand, metal cation, and their coordination number
on stability are discussed. MIL-100(Fe), MIL-96(Al), and MOF-74(Co)
are stable in aqueous O3. UiO-66(Zr), MIL-53(Al), and MIL-101(Cr)
are metastable that their porosity, particle size, and crystallinity
can be postmodified. ZIF-67(Co) and ZIF-8(Zn) are instable and can
be gradually and completely disassembled. Their particle size and
morphology and surface groups can be tuned by controlling the treatment
time. Postsynthesis of metal hydroxides from ZIF-67(Co) and gradual
release of dissolved zinc ion from ZIF-8(Zn) are achievable. The stable
MIL-96(Al) shows promising performance in catalytic ozonation for
degrading 4-nitrophenol, and the α-Co(OH)2 derived
from treating ZIF-67(Co) shows highly promising performance in the
electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER).