Copper Conversion into Cu(OH)₂ Nanotubes for Positioning Cu₃(BTC)₂ MOF Crystals: Controlling the Growth on Flat Plates, 3D Architectures, and as Patterns

Abstract

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 Metal–Organic Framework MIL‐53(Al) Constructed from Multiple Metal Sources: Alumina, Aluminum Hydroxide, and Boehmite

“…[ 10] The growth of fresh as-prepared MIL-53(Al) on the surface of the precursor may prevent the ligand in the inner space of the bulk raw material from reacting further. Therefore, the crystal size of the precursor was likely to predominately contribute to the conversion and yield because raw materials with small particles are suitable for accessing the final product with a high surface area (Figure 3).…”

“…Copper was also converted into Cu 3 (BTC) 2 through the formation of Cu(OH) 2 nanotubes as the intermedium. [10] Zhang et al recently demonstrated a freestanding MIL-53(Al) membrane by using anodized aluminum oxide as the reacting aluminum precursor. [11] To date, only individual metal sources, such as one type of metal oxide or another single alternative metal source, have been discussed.…”

Engineering Zeolitic‐Imidazolate Framework (ZIF) Thin Film Devices for Selective Detection of Volatile Organic Compounds

“…Some optimized structures could provide tunable responsiveness and switching properties in response to external stimuli (such as temperature, pressure, electric potential, acoustic waves, and chemical environment), leading to the selectivity and sensitivity to detect such particular analytes . Generally, in order to employ MOFs for chemical detection (except those based on luminescence quenching), some external means of signal transduction such as optical, electrical, and mechanical schemes have to be applied . Thus, integrating MOFs as thin films on device surfaces is able to form a physical interface for signal transduction.…”

Cu‐Based Nanocomposites as Multifunctional Catalysts

“…Morphology-dependent (nanorods, [1][2][3] nanowires, [4] nanotubes, [5] and nanoribbons [6] )m etal/semiconductor [7,8] nanostructures have significant applications, as they are of interest for catalysis, field emission, and other areas of tremendous industrial importance.T heir shape-and size-dependent optical, electrical, catalytic, and magnetic properties are applicable in energy storage, and optical and photo-electrochemical devices, especially due to their large surface-to-volume ratio. [9][10][11] Renewable energy sources, [12][13][14][15][16] in particular those based on hydrogen as af uel, are widely proclaimed asakey solution to the energy needs for future generations.H ydrogen can potentially be applied in fuel cells, battery devices,p owerg eneration, and as an enginef uel.…”