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Water‐Based Assembly of Polymer–Metal Organic Framework (MOF) Functional Coatings
Author(s) -
De Souvik,
Nandasiri Manjula I.,
Schaef Herbert T.,
McGrail Benard Peter,
Nune Satish K.,
Lutkenhaus Jodie L.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
advanced materials interfaces
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.671
H-Index - 65
ISSN - 2196-7350
DOI - 10.1002/admi.201600905
Subject(s) - materials science , coating , conformal coating , metal organic framework , layer (electronics) , nanotechnology , porosity , substrate (aquarium) , polymer , aqueous solution , layer by layer , chemical engineering , thin film , composite material , organic chemistry , chemistry , oceanography , adsorption , geology , engineering
Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have gained attention for their porosity, size selectivity, and structural diversity. There is a need for MOF‐based coatings, particularly in applications such as separations, electronics, and energy; yet forming thin, functional, conformal coatings is prohibitive because MOFs exist as a powder. Layer‐by‐layer assembly, a versatile thin film coating approach, offers a unique solution to this problem, but this approach requires MOFs that are water‐dispersible and bear a surface charge. Here, these issues are addressed by examining water‐based dispersions of MIL‐101(Cr) that facilitate the formation of robust polymer–MOF hybrid coatings. Specifically, the substrate to be coated is alternately exposed to an aqueous solution of poly(styrene sulfonate) and nano MIL‐101(Cr) dispersion, yielding linear film growth and coatings with a MOF content as high as 77 wt%. This approach is surface‐agnostic, in which the coating is successfully applied to silicon, glass, flexible plastic, and even cotton fabric, conformally coating individual fibers. By contrast, prior attempts at forming MOF‐coatings are severely limited to a handful of surfaces, require harsh chemical treatment, and are not conformal. The approach presented here unambiguously confirms that MOFs can be conformally coated onto complex and unusual surfaces, opening the door for a wide variety of applications.