Issue 3, 2011

Ordered metal nanostructureself-assembly using metal–organic frameworks as templates

Abstract

We demonstrate that nanoporous metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) loaded with silver can serve as templates for ordered nanostructures comprising either silver nanoparticles or nanowires. Exposure to an electron beam breaks down the template, leading to rapid silver coalescence. The geometric and chemical structure of the MOF, as well as the extent of metal loading, determine whether nanoparticles or nanowires are formed and define their size and orientation. Nanowires with diameters as small as 4 nm and aspect ratios >125 can be formed, overcoming the limitations of existing templating methods. This method is relatively simple, compatible with many materials, and proceeds by a distinct template-directed growth mechanism. Since MOFs offer an unprecedented level of synthetic flexibility, combined with highly uniform porosity as a result of their crystalline structure, this approach opens a promising new route for synthesis of self-assembled, ordered nanostructures.

Graphical abstract: Ordered metal nanostructure self-assembly using metal–organic frameworks as templates

Supplementary files

Additions and corrections

Article information

Article type
Edge Article
Submitted
18 Jul 2010
Accepted
23 Nov 2010
First published
13 Dec 2010

Chem. Sci., 2011,2, 411-416

Ordered metal nanostructure self-assembly using metal–organic frameworks as templates

B. W. Jacobs, R. J. T. Houk, M. R. Anstey, S. D. House, I. M. Robertson, A. A. Talin and M. D. Allendorf, Chem. Sci., 2011, 2, 411 DOI: 10.1039/C0SC00377H

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