Unravelling the Water Adsorption Mechanism in Hierarchical MOFs: Insights from In Situ Positron Annihilation Lifetime Studies

Atmospheric water harvesting with metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) is a new technology providing a clean, long-term water supply in arid areas. In-situ positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) is proposed as a valid methodology for the mechanistic understanding of water sorption in MOFs and the selection of prospective candidates for desired applications. DUT-67-Zr and DUT-67-Hf frameworks are used as model systems for method validation because of their hierarchical pore structure, high adsorption capacity, and chemical stability. Both frameworks are characterized using complementary techniques, such as nitrogen (77 K) and water vapor (298 K) physisorption, SEM, and PXRD. DUT-67-Zr and DUT-67-Hf are investigated by PALS upon exposure to humidity for the first time, demonstrating the stepwise pore filling mechanism by water molecules for both MOFs. In addition to exploring the potential of PALS as a tool for probing MOFs during in situ water loading, this work offers perspectives on the design and use of MOFs for water harvesting.