The Growth Mechanism of a Conductive MOF Thin Film in Spray‐based Layer‐by‐layer Liquid Phase Epitaxy

Abstract

The layer‐by‐layer liquid‐phase epitaxy (LBL‐LPE) method is widely used in preparing metal–organic framework (MOF) thin films with the merits of controlling thickness and out‐of‐plane orientation for superior performances in applications. The LBL‐LPE growth mechanism related to the grain boundary, structure defect, and orientation is critical but very challenging to study. In this work, a novel “in‐plane self‐limiting and self‐repairing” thin‐film growth mechanism is demonstrated by the combination study of the grain boundary, structure defect, and orientation of Cu3(HHTP)2‐xC thin film via microscopic analysis techniques and electrical measurements. This mechanism results a desired high‐quality MOF thin film with preferred in‐plane orientations at its bottom for the first time and is very helpful for optimizing the LBL‐LPE method, understanding the growth cycle‐dependent properties of MOF thin film, and inspiring the investigations of the biomimetic self‐repairing materials.

Covalent modification of surfaces with porous metal–organic materials

“…26,27 Spray drying, a similar method, involves the deposition of MOF particles onto targeted surfaces by passing a suspension of MOF through a heated orice using a specied ow rate of inert gas. 28,29 Finally, chemical vapor deposition has been used to deposit MOF lms on substrates. 30,31 Notably, while most surface deposition work has predominantly focused on MOFs, there exists an untapped potential in the realm of porous cages.…”

“…26,27 Spray drying, a similar method, involves the deposition of MOF particles onto targeted surfaces by passing a suspension of MOF through a heated orifice using a specified flow rate of inert gas. 28,29 Finally, chemical vapor deposition has been used to deposit MOF films on substrates. 30,31…”