title: A new method to position and functionalize metal-organic framework crystals.
abstract: With controlled nanometre-sized pores and surface areas of thousands of square metres per gram, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) may have an integral role in future catalysis, filtration and sensing applications. In general, for MOF-based device fabrication, well-organized or patterned MOF growth is required, and thus conventional synthetic routes are not suitable. Moreover, to expand their applicability, the introduction of additional functionality into MOFs is desirable. Here, we explore the use of nanostructured poly-hydrate zinc phosphate (α-hopeite) microparticles as nucleation seeds for MOFs that simultaneously address all these issues. Affording spatial control of nucleation and significantly accelerating MOF growth, these α-hopeite microparticles are found to act as nucleation agents both in solution and on solid surfaces. In addition, the introduction of functional nanoparticles (metallic, semiconducting, polymeric) into these nucleating seeds translates directly to the fabrication of functional MOFs suitable for molecular size-selective applications.
authors.affiliation: CSIRO, Division of Materials Science and Engineering, Clayton South MDC, Victoria 3169, Australia. paolo.falcaro@csiro.au
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Falcaro
authors.forename: Anita J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.forename: Kate M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Nairn
authors.forename: Jacek
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jasieniak
authors.forename: James I
authors.initials: JI
authors.lastname: Mardel
authors.forename: Timothy J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Bastow
authors.forename: Sheridan C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Mayo
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gimona
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gomez
authors.forename: Harold J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Whitfield
authors.forename: Raffaele
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Riccò
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Patelli
authors.forename: Benedetta
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Marmiroli
authors.forename: Heinz
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Amenitsch
authors.forename: Tobias
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Colson
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Villanova
authors.forename: Dario
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Buso
mesh_terms: D015374:Biosensing Techniques / Q000379:methods; D002384:Catalysis; D003460:Crystallization / Q000379:methods; D008958:Models, Molecular; D009942:Organometallic Compounds / Q000032:analysis* / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000378:metabolism; D010710:Phosphates / Q000032:analysis* / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000378:metabolism; D011108:Polymers / Q000032:analysis* / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000378:metabolism; D045663:Quantum Dots; D012666:Semiconductors; D012996:Solutions / Q000737:chemistry; D013499:Surface Properties; D017967:Zinc Compounds / Q000032:analysis* / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D010710:Phosphates; D011108:Polymers; D012996:Solutions; D017967:Zinc Compounds; C043952:zinc phosphate