New fast synthesis of MOF-801 for water and hydrogen storage: Modulator effect and recycling options

•The simple, fast (2 h), and scalable technique for MOF-801 synthesis was developed.•We report the effect of acetic and formic acids on hydrogen and water capacities.•Slow heating and small size of grains in powder enhance water desorption.•Synthesis without modulators allowed the recycling of DMF at least four times.