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.
A Cu-based metal–organic framework (HKUST-1 or Cu3(BTC)2, BTC = 1,3,5-benzene tricarboxylate) has been synthesized from insoluble Cu-based precursors and positioned on substrates. Patterning of HKUST-1 was achieved through a two-step process: (1) the positioning of the insoluble Cu-based ceramic precursors on substrates using a sol–gel solution, and (2) the subsequent conversion into HKUST-1 by treatments with an alcoholic solution containing 1,3,5-benzene tricarboxylic acid (H3BTC) at room temperature for 10 min. This technique has been found to be suitable for both inorganic and polymeric substrates. The HKUST-1 pattern on a polymer film can be easily bent without affecting the positioned MOFs crystals. This approach would allow for versatile and practical applications of MOFs in multifunctional platforms where the positioning of MOFs is required.
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.