Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a new class of nanoporous materials. An efficient and environmentally friendly method for the synthesis of MOFs is needed for efficient industrial applications. In this work

a porous metal-organic framework HKUST-1 was prepared by the mechano-chemical method. The effects of different activation solvents (chloroform and ethanol) on the surface area

pore structure and benzene adsorption of HKUST-1 were investigated. The mechano-chemical synthesis time of HKUST-1 could be reduced from 24 h to 30 min compared with the hydrothermal method. The surface area and pore volume of HKUST-1 were significantly affected by activation solvents. Using ethanol as an activation solvent could more easily displace the precursors remaining in the channels of HKUST-1

thus achieving a larger surface area (1442.7 m2·g-1) and 25% higher benzene adsorption (6.90 mmol·g-1 at 298 K and 8 kPa). Under the same condition

the benzene absorption capacity of the HKUST-1 sample was higher than the regular absorbents

such as activated carbon

molecular sieve and zeolite.