3.5 Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis
Scanning electron microscopy analysis is commonly used to describe the
morphology of metalorganic frameworks. These microscopic images show the
outer geometry of the shape, dispersion and mixing of phases. As can be
seen in the figure (8), the synthesized
NiFe2O4@SiO2@HKUST-1
metal-organic framework has an almost rod-like morphology so that the
nickel ferrite nanoparticles in the silica substrate coalesce to form a
rod-like structure.
During synthesis, the copper-containing metal-organic framework may form
homogeneously around the nickel ferrite particles in the silica bed. At
the highest image resolution, the presence of some pours of these
metal-organic frames is visible, which is a feature of these
metal-organic frameworks. These particles are similar to synthesized
nanocomposites (Cu/Ni-MOF) [57-59]. Thus, the observed morphology of
the synthesized metal-organic framework can confirm that the synthesized
nanocomposites may have the desired properties.
Fig (8): SEM image of synthesized
NiFe2O4@SiO2@HKUST-1
metal-organic framework, a) 10%, b) 30% and c) 50% d) close view, e)
cross section view.