Metal-organic nanotubes (MONTs) are the one-dimensional analogue of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). These 1D porous materials are relatively new compared to the typical 2D and 3D variants of MOFs. MONTs are expected to exhibit unique anisotropic properties in similar fashion to carbon nanotubes. These properties, however, can only be understood once a single discrete MONT, or even a small quantifiable aggregate of MONTs is synthesized and isolated. Unfortunately, to date, MONTs are synthesized as bulk crystalline aggregates with thousands of tubes packed together in an organized array. These crystalline materials are examined using classic solid-state characterization methods, such as single and powder X-ray diffraction and solid state spectroscopies. A single MONT (or nano bundle of MONTs) is expected to be a colloidal material and cannot be analyzed using these solid-state methods. To visualize nano bundles of MONTs during their formation, we have turned to TEM and liquid cell TEM (LCTEM).  The combination of rational ligand design and LCTEM allows for the growth of metal-organic nanotubes to be observed, for the first time, in real time. Understanding the growth mechanism of nano bundles of MONTs will give insight toward a direct synthesis of discrete MONTs and allow for their anisotropic properties to be tested.

Illuminating the growth of metal-organic nanotubes through isoreticular synthesis and liquid-cell transmission electron microscopy

2019 Spring National Meeting

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