The fabrication of oriented, crystalline films of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is a critical step toward their application to advanced technologies such as optics, microelectronics, microfluidics and sensing. However, the direct synthesis of MOF films with controlled crystalline orientation remains a significant challenge. Here we report a one-step approach, carried out under mild conditions, that exploits heteroepitaxial growth for the rapid fabrication of oriented polycrystalline MOF films on the centimetre scale. Our methodology employs crystalline copper hydroxide as a substrate and yields MOF films with oriented pore channels on scales that primarily depend on the dimensions of the substrate. To demonstrate that an anisotropic crystalline morphology can translate to a functional property, we assembled a centimetre-scale MOF film in the presence of a dye and showed that the optical response could be switched 'ON' or 'OFF' by simply rotating the film.

New 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium (EMI) salts [EMI][C(CN)3] and [EMI][Ag(CN)2] were prepared and characterized. The C(CN)3 salt has a melting point at -11 degrees C and shows a low viscosity (18 cP) and a high ionic conductivity (1.8 x 10(-2) S cm(-1)) at room temperature. This conductivity is less than that of [EMI][N(CN)2] salt (2.7 x 10(-2) S cm(-1)), possibly due to the larger molecular weight of the anion. The first EMI salt containing Ag(I) complexes [EMI][Ag(CN)2] has a higher melting point of 73 degrees C. In the crystal, the C-H...pi interionic interactions between cations construct zigzag chains in the cationic two-dimensional layer. Close Ag..Ag interionic contacts of 3.226(1) A were observed in the one-dimensional anionic chain, and the relatively high melting point among the EMI salts with a monoanion appears to be governed essentially by these direct Ag...Ag interactions.

The high and regular porosity of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) provides exceptional properties suitable for technological applications. The increasing interest of the scientific community is based on the exploration of these advantageous properties for industrial applications. Pure MOFs are specifically designed to offer a huge surface area; such a high specific surface area has been explored and exploited for gas storage, separation, or catalysis in a variety of chemical processes. A different and promising scientific trend aims to combine MOFs with extrinsic functionalities such as functional nanoparticles; this strategy enables the preparation of new nanocomposite materials with unprecedented properties. An interesting case is offered by the synergic combination of magnetic particles with MOF crystals. In the resulting nanocomposite material, the adaptive functional responses can be triggered by an external magnetic field. In this context, different protocols have been developed for the efficient preparation of magnetic framework composites (MFCs), a class of materials that combines magnetic nano-or micro-particles with MOFs crystals. This application paper highlights the progress on MFCs for drug delivery, environmental control, catalysis, sensing and miniaturized device fabrication.Raffaele Ricco (1979) received his Master's degree in Chemistry (2004) and his PhD in Molecular Sciences (2008) from the University of Padua, Italy. He was a researcher at the CIVEN Association in Venice, Italy, from 2008 to 2012. He was appointed a post doctoral fellow position in Paolo Falcaro's group at the CSIRO Material Science and Engineering Division (Melbourne, Australia) in 2012. His main research topic deals with the synthesis of metal organic frameworks and their applications in sensing and catalysis.

A new approach for the fabrication of homogeneous HKUST‐1 [Cu3(BTC)2] coatings on copper metal plates, 3D objects, and as patterns, is here proposed. The conversion can be performed at room temperature in approximately 30 minutes using an aqueous ethanolic mixture. The two step conversion mechanism occurs via the formation of Cu(OH)2 nanotubes. Microscopic time‐course monitoring reveals the conversion steps. The adhesion of the metal organic‐framework (MOF) crystals, as well as the functional properties of the resulting supported catalyst, are successfully tested. The versatility of the conversion mechanism on different metal copper substrates is investigated as well; in particular, a photolithography protocol is proposed for the preparation of MOF patterns. This protocol offers several features (short processing time, applicability to any copper metal object, low cost of the equipment, room temperature conditions) that would make it favorable for basic research and industrial exploitation of MOF capabilities.

The precise alignment of multiple layers of metal–organic framework (MOF) thin films, or MOF‐on‐MOF films, over macroscopic length scales is presented. The MOF‐on‐MOF films are fabricated by epitaxially matching the interface. The first MOF layer (Cu2(BPDC)2, BPDC=biphenyl‐4,4′‐dicarboxylate) is grown on an oriented Cu(OH)2 film by a “one‐pot” approach. Aligned second (Cu2(BDC)2, BDC=benzene 1,4‐dicarboxylate, or Cu2(BPYDC)2, BPYDC=2,2′‐bipyridine‐5,5′‐dicarboxylate) MOF layers can be deposited using liquid‐phase epitaxy. The co‐orientation of the MOF films is confirmed by X‐ray diffraction. Importantly, our strategy allows for the synthesis of aligned MOF films, for example, Cu2(BPYDC)2, that cannot be grown on a Cu(OH)2 surface. We show that aligned MOF films furnished with Ag nanoparticles show a unique anisotropic plasmon resonance. Our MOF‐on‐MOF approach expands the chemistry of heteroepitaxially oriented MOF films and provides a new toolbox for multifunctional porous coatings.

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Dynamic spatial control of MOF position is obtained by incorporating carbon‐coated cobalt nanoparticles within metal organic framework (MOF)‐5 crystals. The cobalt framework composite obtained responds efficiently to magnetic stimuli. A luminescent functionality is added, showing that multifunctional MOF devices can be prepared. This new generation of adaptive material is tested as a position‐controlled molecular sensor.

Increasing attention has been dedicated to the development of nanomaterials rendering green and sustainable processes, which occur in benign aqueous reaction media. Herein, we demonstrate the synthesis of another family of green nanomaterials, layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoclusters, which are concentrated (98.7 g/L in aqueous solvent), stably dispersed (transparent sol for >2 weeks), and catalytically active colloids of nano LDHs (isotropic shape with the size of 7.8 nm as determined by small-angle X-ray scattering). LDH nanoclusters are available as colloidal building blocks to give access to meso- and macroporous LDH materials. Proof-of-concept applications revealed that the LDH nanocluster works as a solid basic catalyst and is separable from solvents of catalytic reactions, confirming the nature of nanocatalysts. The present work closely investigates the unique physical and chemical features of this colloid, the formation mechanism, and the ability to act as basic nanocatalysts in benign aqueous reaction systems.