The precise alignment of multiple layers of metal–organic framework (MOF) thin films, or MOF‐on‐MOF films, over macroscopic length scales is presented. The MOF‐on‐MOF films are fabricated by epitaxially matching the interface. The first MOF layer (Cu2(BPDC)2, BPDC=biphenyl‐4,4′‐dicarboxylate) is grown on an oriented Cu(OH)2 film by a “one‐pot” approach. Aligned second (Cu2(BDC)2, BDC=benzene 1,4‐dicarboxylate, or Cu2(BPYDC)2, BPYDC=2,2′‐bipyridine‐5,5′‐dicarboxylate) MOF layers can be deposited using liquid‐phase epitaxy. The co‐orientation of the MOF films is confirmed by X‐ray diffraction. Importantly, our strategy allows for the synthesis of aligned MOF films, for example, Cu2(BPYDC)2, that cannot be grown on a Cu(OH)2 surface. We show that aligned MOF films furnished with Ag nanoparticles show a unique anisotropic plasmon resonance. Our MOF‐on‐MOF approach expands the chemistry of heteroepitaxially oriented MOF films and provides a new toolbox for multifunctional porous coatings.
Efficient hydrogen production and photocatalytic reduction of nitrobenzene were achieved by using a Pt-deposited amino-functionalised Ti(IV) metal–organic framework (Pt/Ti-MOF-NH2) under visible-light irradiation. XRD and N2 adsorption measurements revealed that crystalline microporous structures were formed and maintained even after the Pt deposition. The photocatalytic activity for the visible-light-promoted hydrogen production was improved through the optimization of the deposition amount of Pt as a cocatalyst. The optimised amount of Pt was determined to be 1.5 wt%. The results of in situ ESR measurements clearly indicate that the reaction proceeds through the electron transfer from the organic linker to deposited Pt as a cocatalyst by way of titanium-oxo clusters. In addition, the Pt/Ti-MOF-NH2 photocatalyst was found to catalyse photocatalytic reduction of nitrobenzene under visible-light irradiation. It was also confirmed that the catalyst can be reused at least three times without significant loss of its catalytic activity.