Convergent and Divergent Paired Electrodeposition of Metal-Organic Framework Thin Films

Employing the environmentally friendly methods for synthesis of the metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is an urgent need and sustainable development in the synthesis of these compounds is essential. In this way, ignoring the counter electrode reaction is a potentially negative point from green chemistry standpoint which increases some issues like energy consumption and reaction time. We wish to introduce the "paired electrodeposition" (PED) technique as a new method for the simultaneous synthesis and deposition of the MOF thin films (MOFTFs). This protocol implements the uniform pattern of two MOFTF modified substrates by "convergent (CPED: Zn_a/Zn_c-MOFTFs) and divergent (DPED: Cu_a/Zn_c-MOFTFs) paired electrodeposition" via a one-step synthesis. With the rule of thumb, enhanced energy efficiency and atom economy, increasing electrochemical yield, time-saving along with a variety of products are advantages of this technique. Besides, the "Electrode Modification Efficiency" has introduced for the evaluation of functionality and modification efficiency of electrochemical heterogeneous systems, especially MOFTFs. To investigate this concept, we synthesized Zn₃(BTC)₂ and Cu₃(BTC)₂ as MOF models under constant current electrolysis in water and at room temperature. This work can make a breakthrough in the green synthesis of metal-organic frameworks.