One Step Backward Is Two Steps Forward: Enhancing the Hydrolysis Rate of UiO-66 by Decreasing [OH^-]

The rapid destruction of chemical threats, such as phosphate-based nerve agents, is of considerable current interest. The hydrolysis of the nerve-agent simulant methylparaoxon, as catalyzed by UiO-66 and UiO-67, was examined as a function of pH. Surprisingly, even though typical phosphate-ester hydrolysis mechanisms entail nucleophilic attack of the simulant by aqueous hydroxide, the rate of hydrolysis accelerates as the solution pH is lowered. The unexpected behavior is attributed to a pH-dependent composition change followed by ligand substitution at the Zr₆-based node.