Toward the incorporation of nanomaterials into device structures, the overarching goal of this research is to investigate the driving forces directing the bottom-up solution-phase synthesis of nanomaterials. Our research examines both free-standing and surface-anchored nanomaterials to gain fundamental understanding about their growth, which is necessary to tune material properties and to integrate the material into hierarchical structures through low-energy processing techniques. Thin films of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can integrate the versatility and potential of the material directly into architectures for gas storage, chemical sensing, and energy storage. We investigate methods of fabrication for surface-anchored MOFs (e.g. HKUST-1, MOF-14, MOF-399) and determine thin film growth mechanisms primarily by characterization with atomic force microscopy. Research investigated synthetic variables to tailor film morphology, examined gas interactions with the MOF as a film compared to free-standing nanopowder, and most recently studied MOF thin film formation and transport properties for potential integration into electrochemical devices. Research continues to investigate other surMOF systems, technologically-relevant substrates, methods for patterning the MOF films, and the effect of post-synthetic modifications. This fundamental research is essential to develop design rules for the integration of these promising supramolecular nanomaterials into real-world applications.

Bottom-up assembly of surface-anchored metal-organic framework thin films

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.