From metal-organic framework to morphology- and size-controlled 3D mesoporous Cr2O3 toward a high surface area and enhanced volatile organic compound oxidation catalyst.

Morphology- and size-controlled 3D mesoporous Cr2O3 have always been a research hotspot due to their wide applications. Herein, we for the first time report that the carbonized Cr-MOFs can ignite spontaneously at room temperature and form the corresponding 3D mesoporous Cr2O3 with high specific surface areas (219.25 to 303.44 cm2 g-1). More importantly, the shape and size of 3D mesoporous Cr2O3 can be well controlled by a facile adjustment of the Cr-MOF synthesis conditions. Furthermore, these materials showed an exceptionally high catalytic performance in formaldehyde oxidation. These results are predicted to offer a novel method in the design and synthesis of 3D porous Cr2O3.