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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
11:27
Synthesis and Characterization of Functionalized Metal-organic Frameworks
Published on: September 5, 2014
49.1K
Interfacing and Growth Pathways of Metal-Organic Frameworks with Morphological Evolution.
Goeun Choi1, Eunji Kim1, Sojin Oh1
1Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea.
ACS Nano
|January 17, 2026
Summary
Controlling anisotropic metal-organic framework (MOF) growth is key for hybrid MOFs. Lattice mismatch dictates MOF-on-MOF growth direction, enabling complex structures with tunable interfaces.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Crystallography
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Hybrid metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) constructed via MOF-on-MOF growth offer advanced functionalities.
- Controlling anisotropic growth between MOFs with mismatched lattices remains a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate and govern the interfacial and growth behaviors of MOFs during anisotropic MOF-on-MOF processes.
- To elucidate the role of lattice matching in directing MOF-on-MOF growth.
Main Methods:
- Investigated MOF-on-MOF growth using In-MIL-53C and In-MIL-53D on an In-MIL-68B template.
- Analyzed interfacial growth behaviors based on lattice mismatch percentages.
- Monitored reaction sequences including seeding, merging, and growth.
Main Results:
- Anisotropic growth is governed by lattice matching; In-MIL-53C grew on its {110} plane with 19.5% mismatch.
- In-MIL-53D utilized its {010} plane (1.0% mismatch) due to a large mismatch on the {110} plane.
- Demonstrated that even unstable MOF surfaces can be utilized for MOF-on-MOF growth based on structural compatibility.
- Synthesized a complex five-segment hybrid MOF, In-MIL-68B@In-MIL-53C@In-MIL-68B-Br@In-MIL-53C, with an H-shaped void.
Conclusions:
- Lattice matching degree is a critical factor controlling anisotropic MOF-on-MOF growth direction.
- Unfavorable MOF surfaces can be selected for interfacial growth if structural compatibility is achieved.
- Sequential MOF-on-MOF growth enables the construction of intricate hybrid architectures with defined segments and voids.
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