Solution-Processable Metal-Organic Framework Nanosheets with Variable Functionalities.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are advanced porous materials with diverse applications.
• MOFs typically lack fluidity, hindering their integration into solution-based fabrication processes.
• Developing solution-processable MOFs is crucial for expanding their technological utility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel, scalable synthesis of solution-processable MOF nanosheets.
• To demonstrate the fabrication of various materials (monoliths, gels, films) using these MOF nanosheets.
• To investigate the performance of MOF-based sensors for chemical detection.

Main Methods:

• One-pot, surfactant-free synthesis of large NUS-8 MOF nanosheets.
• Controlled addition of capping molecules and precursor concentrations.
• Fabrication of MOF monoliths, aero-/xerogels, and textured films.
• Integration of functionalized NUS-8 films into capacitive sensors.

Main Results:

• Achieved scalable synthesis of highly stable MOF suspensions with large NUS-8 nanosheets (>15,000 µm²).
• Demonstrated excellent solution processability of functionalized MOF nanosheets.
• Successfully fabricated homogeneous films, gels, and monoliths with controllable properties.
• Developed MOF-based capacitive sensors exhibiting distinct acetone detection based on surface functionalization.

Conclusions:

• The developed method provides a facile route to solution-processable MOFs.
• This approach enables the fabrication of diverse MOF-based materials and devices.
• The functionalized MOF nanosheets show promise for applications in chemical sensing and miniaturized electronics.