Combining UV lithography and an imprinting technique for patterning metal-organic frameworks

Structuring of metal-organic frameworks at the mesoscopic/macroscopic scale

The assembly of metal ions with organic ligands through the formation of coordination bonds gives crystalline framework materials, known as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which recently emerged as a new class of porous materials. Besides the structural designability of MOFs at the molecular length scale, the researchers in this field very recently made important advances in creating more complex architectures at the mesoscopic/macroscopic scale, in which MOF nanocrystals are used as building units to construct higher-order superstructures. The structuring of MOFs in such a hierarchical order certainly opens a new opportunity to improve the material performance via design of the physical form rather than altering the chemical component. This review highlights these superstructures and their applications by categorizing them into four dimensionalities, zero-dimensional (0D), one-dimensional (1D), two-dimensional (2D), and three-dimensional (3D) superstructures. Because the key issue for structuring of MOFs is to spatially control the nucleation process in desired locations, this review conceptually categorizes the available synthetic methodologies from the viewpoint of the reaction system.

Positioning of the HKUST-1 metal–organic framework (Cu3(BTC)2) through conversion from insoluble Cu-based precursors

A Cu-based metal–organic framework (HKUST-1) was synthesized from insoluble precursors and positioned using sol–gel based coatings.

Mechanically stable, hierarchically porous Cu3(btc)2 (HKUST-1) monoliths via direct conversion of copper(ii) hydroxide-based monoliths

Robust, hierarchically porous Cu₃(btc)₂ (HKUST-1, btc³⁻ = benzene-1,3,5-tricalboxylate) monoliths have been synthesized by direct conversion of sol–gel-derived Cu(OH)₂-based monoliths.

Facile synthesis of Fe3O4nanoparticles on metal organic framework MIL-101(Cr): characterization and catalytic activity

Fe₃O₄nanoparticles can be effectively incorporated into the matrix of MIL-101(Cr) to fabricate a Fe₃O₄@MIL-101 magnetic nanocomposite which behaves as a magnetic nanocatalyst for the solvent free oxidation of benzyl alcohol.

Design of metal organic framework–enzyme based bioelectrodes as a novel and highly sensitive biosensing platform

The mesoporous iron(iii) trimesate MIL-100(Fe) based biosensor presents very interesting electrocatalytic performances for glucose detection.

Engineering lanthanide-optical centres in IRMOF-3 by post-synthetic modification

Infrared emitters based on IRMOF-3 are modified with 2-chloroacetic acid, glyoxylic acid, diethyl (ethoxymethylene)malonate, methyl vinyl ketone, and Eu³⁺& Nd³⁺.

Spatioselective growth of metal-organic framework nanocrystals on compositionally anisotropic polymer particles

Selective growth of metal organic framework materials on the surface of compartmentalized polymer microparticles is achieved by electro-hydrodynamic co-jetting, selective surface modification, and anisotropic crystal growth.

MOF positioning technology and device fabrication

Methods for permanent localisation, dynamic localisation and spatial control of functional materials within MOF crystals are critical for the development of miniaturised MOF-based devices for a number of technological applications.

MOF-based electronic and opto-electronic devices

Emergent properties resulting from the ordered structure and synthetic versatility of nanoporous metal–organic frameworks offer exciting possibilities for electronic devices.