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MOF thin films: existing and future applications
O Shekhah1, J Liu, R A Fischer
1Institut für Funktionelle Grenzflächen, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, B 330, D-76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany.
Chemical Society Reviews
|January 13, 2011
Summary
Thin films of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) offer new possibilities for surface functionalization and applications. This review covers their fabrication, properties, and use in sensors, catalysis, and separation technologies.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are crystalline porous materials with high surface areas.
- Traditional MOF powders have limitations in certain applications due to their particle size.
- Thin film fabrication of MOFs is an emerging area with rapid development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a critical review of the fabrication and applications of thin film coatings of MOFs.
- To discuss the advantages of MOF thin films over MOF powders.
- To explore the potential of MOF thin films in various technological fields.
Main Methods:
- Review of synthesis schemes for thin porous MOF films.
- Discussion of fabrication techniques for supported and free-standing MOF films.
- Analysis of applications demonstrated or proposed for MOF films.
Main Results:
- MOF thin films enable novel surface functionalization and applications.
- Rigid anchoring of MOF films on substrates unlocks new uses.
- MOF thin films show potential in luminescence, sensing, optoelectronics, gas separation, and catalysis.
Conclusions:
- Thin film MOFs offer unique advantages over MOF powders.
- MOF thin films can be used as free-standing membranes or nano-containers.
- MOF thin films serve as valuable model systems for studying MOF phenomena.
