Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are studied extensively for their high surface area and porosity. While the potential of MOFs in sensors is often mentioned, integration in actual devices is rarely reported. Key in the systematic fabrication of MOF-based devices will be the deposition of patterned MOF films. While existing MOF deposition techniques can result in patterned coatings, typically the entire substrate is exposed to reactant solutions. When integrating MOFs with electronics, exposure of preformed circuitry to MOF synthesis mixtures or adding circuitry after MOF deposition is unacceptable because of circuit corrosion on the one hand and thermal and chemical limitations of MOFs on the other.We present digital microfluidics for depositing patterned MOF coatings by controlling the movement of reactant solution droplets. This methodology allows for exquisite control over which parts of the substrate are contacted with the MOF reactant solutions, thus preventing interference with preformed elements present on the substrate.

Controlled deposition of patterned metal-organic framework coatings through digital microfluidics

245th National Meeting (2013)

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