The size, shape, dispersity, and isotropy of nano- and micromaterials critically affects their functionality in applications such as nanocomposite coatings, energy, medicine, sensors, water purification, and catalysis. Anisotropic particles are of particular interest due to their unique chemical and mechanical properties and functionalities. A class of crystalline coordination polymers, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), includes additional desirable properties including high porosity and surface area, robustness, surface and pore modifiability, and multifunctionality. We have selectivity synthesized an anisotropic zirconium-based porphyrinic metal-organic framework, PCN-222, with a variety of aspects ratios (3 &lt; x &lt; 94). Tunable parameters affecting size and morphology include ligand supersaturation, modulator concentration, reagent scale, and acid-base co-modulation. Selective tuning of these parameters led to the synthesis of the highest aspect ratio, non-templated metal-organic frameworks to date (94 ± 9). This work reveals acid-base equilibrium in MOF synthesis to be a critical consideration for producing materials of particular sizes and morphologies.

Crystal growth control of anisotropic PCN-222 metal-organic frameworks for composite applications

ACS Fall 2021

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