Water‐Based Assembly of Polymer–Metal Organic Framework (MOF) Functional Coatings. Issue 2 (27th December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: De, Souvik; Nandasiri, Manjula I.; Schaef, Herbert T.; McGrail, Benard Peter; Nune, Satish K.; Lutkenhaus, Jodie L.
• Is Part Of: Advanced materials interfaces. Volume 4:Issue 2(2017)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2016-12-27
• Subjects: coatings -- layer‐by‐layer assembly -- metal organic frameworks -- polymers -- thin films; Materials science -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/admi.201600905
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2196-7350

Abstract

Abstract : 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. Abstract : Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) and polymer are combined via water‐based layer‐by‐layer assembly to produce robust MOF–polymer hybrid coatings, enabled by tailoring of the aqueous MOF dispersion. The resulting coatings are conformal in nature and possess a high MOF content (77 wt%). The surface‐agonistic nature of the approach allows one to coat variety of substrates, including plastic and fabric.