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Updated: Jun 12, 2026
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Sub-nanometer Resolution Imaging with Amplitude-modulation Atomic Force Microscopy in Liquid
Published on: December 20, 2016
Real-Space Molecular Resolution Imaging of Graphite-Anchored MOF Surfaces via Atomic Force Microscopy at the
Antonino Cucinotta1, Ken-Ichi Otake2, Susumu Kitagawa2
1Division of Molecular Imaging and Photonics, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
Small Methods
|June 11, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a new method to image metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) using atomic force microscopy (AFM). This technique allows for high-resolution surface imaging of MOFs under native conditions, overcoming previous sample preparation limitations.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Chemistry
Background:
- Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are advanced porous materials with diverse applications.
- Traditional characterization methods like diffraction provide averaged data, limiting site-specific structural insights.
- Atomic force microscopy (AFM) offers real-space imaging but requires specific sample preparation for MOFs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a versatile method for anchoring MOF crystals for high-resolution AFM imaging.
- To enable the study of MOF surfaces under native liquid-solid interface conditions.
- To overcome limitations in MOF sample preparation for AFM analysis.
Main Methods:
- Covalent grafting of aryl-carboxylate groups onto highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) to anchor MOF crystals.
- Direct growth of MOF crystals on functionalized substrates.
- Air-free transfer of crystals to AFM liquid cells to preserve surface integrity.
- AFM imaging under liquid conditions, including tip-induced surface refinement.
Main Results:
- Successful molecular-resolution AFM imaging of MOF-5, HKUST-1, and Zn2(BDC)2(DABCO) crystals.
- Demonstration of AFM tip-induced surface refinement to create flat terraces on MOF crystals.
- Real-time monitoring of terrace growth dynamics on MOF surfaces.
- Preservation of MOF surface integrity by avoiding drying or processing steps.
Conclusions:
- The developed grafting strategy provides a robust platform for AFM analysis of MOFs.
- This method allows for detailed investigation of MOF surface structures and dynamics under native conditions.
- The approach is broadly applicable to various MOF families due to its chemical versatility and thermal robustness.
