MOF-on-MOF Growth: Inducing Naturally Nonpreferred MOFs and Atypical MOF Growth

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Crystallography
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) possess unique properties determined by their components and structure.
• Synthesizing MOFs with desired structures often proves challenging, as outcomes are typically dictated by thermodynamic or kinetic preferences.
• Hybrid MOFs offer advanced properties but their synthesis is complex.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop methods for synthesizing naturally nonpreferred MOFs.
• To explore atypical hybrid MOF synthesis using nonstandard MOF-on-MOF growth.
• To advance the rational design of MOFs with specific structural and compositional characteristics.

Main Methods:

• Template-induced MOF-on-MOF growth to create nonpreferred MOF structures.
• Investigating isotropic and anisotropic growth behaviors based on lattice matching.
• Developing a 'MOF farming' concept for efficient cultivation and harvesting of MOFs.
• Exploring atypical anisotropic MOF-on-MOF growth with mismatched lattices, including tip-to-middle growth and template transformation.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated successful synthesis of naturally nonpreferred MOFs via MOF-on-MOF growth.
• Characterized different growth behaviors (isotropic and anisotropic) influenced by lattice compatibility.
• Introduced a scalable MOF farming approach for MOF production.
• Achieved atypical MOF-on-MOF growth, enabling structural self-adjustment and inference of unknown MOF structures.

Conclusions:

• The MOF-on-MOF growth strategy is effective for creating nonpreferred and atypical hybrid MOFs.
• MOF farming offers a promising route for efficient MOF production.
• Further research into MOF-on-MOF growth can unlock new possibilities in MOF design and application.