Protocols to create metal−organic framework (MOF)/polymer composites for separation, chemical capture, and catalytic applications currently rely on relatively slow solution-based processing to form single MOF composites. Here, we report a rapid, high-yield sorption-vapor method for direct simultaneous growth of single and multiple MOF materials onto untreated flexible and stretchable polymer fibers and films. The synthesis utilizes favorable reactant absorption into polymers coupled with rapid vapor-driven MOF crystallization to form high surface area (>250 m 2 /g composite ) composites, including UiO-66-NH 2 , HKUST-1, and MOF-525 on spandex, nylon, and other fabrics. The resulting composites are robust and maintain their functionality even after stretching. Stretchable MOF fabrics enable rapid solid-state hydrolysis of the highly toxic chemical warfare agent soman and paraoxon-methyl simulant. We show that this approach can readily be scaled by solution spray-coating of MOF precursors and to large area substrates.

Device quality InGaN templates are synthesized using the semibulk (SB) approach. The approach maintains the film's 2D growth and avoids the formation of indium-metal inclusions. The strain relaxation processes of the grown InxGa1−xN templates are accompanied by variations in the indium content (x) and lattice parameters (a and c) across the InGaN template's thickness as the residual strain is continuously decreasing. This strain and lattice parameters' variation creates difficulties in applying standard x-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Reciprocal Space mapping (RSM) techniques to estimate the residual strain and the degree of the elastic strain relaxation. We used high-resolution High-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy and Energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) to monitor the variations of the indium content, lattice parameters, and strain relaxation across the growing InxGa1−xN templates. We show that strain relaxation takes place by V-pit defect formation. Some of these V-pits are refilled by the GaN interlayers in the InxGa1−xN SB templates, while others propagate to the template surface. We present an alternative approach combining photoluminescence (PL) and EDS for estimating the degree of strain relaxation in these InxGa1−xN templates. The values obtained for the degree of relaxation estimated from TEM studies and PL measurements are within reasonable agreement in this study. Device quality InxGa1−xN templates with x ∼ 0.08, with a degree of relaxation higher than 70%, are achieved.

H 2 W 2 O 7 , a metastable material synthesized via selective etching of the Aurivillius-related Bi 2 W 2 O 9 , is demonstrated as an electrode for high power proton-based energy storage. Comprehensive structural characterization is performed to obtain a high-fidelity crystal structure of H 2 W 2 O 7 using an iterative approach that combines X-ray diffraction, neutron pair distribution function, scanning transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and density functional theory modeling. Electrochemical characterization shows a capacity retention of ≈80% at 1000 mV s -1 (1.5-s charge/discharge time) as compared to 1 mV s -1 (≈16-min charge/discharge time) with cyclability for over 100 000 cycles. Energetics from density functional theory calculations indicate that proton storage occurs at the terminal oxygen sites within the hydrated interlayer. Last, optical micrographs collected during in situ Raman spectroscopy show reversible, multicolor electrochromism, with color changes from pale yellow to blue, purple, and last, orange as a function of proton content. These results highlight the use of selective etching of layered perovskites for the synthesis of metastable transition metal oxide materials and the use of H 2 W 2 O 7 as an anode material for proton-based energy storage or electrochromic applications.

A new water purification ion exchange membrane has been synthesized using an all-aqueous and sustainable process. These thin film membranes exhibit a pin hole free, mesoporous architecture that rapidly removes several classes of pervasive and persistent contaminants from water.