Metal–organic framework thin films: review of their room-temperature synthesis and applications

Abstract

Metal–organic framework (MOF) thin films are receiving increasing attention across a number of applications. Compared to bulk MOFs, thin films can meet many practical and special application requirements. Thin films based on MOFs synthesized at room temperature provide potential solutions to challenges associated with environmental pollution and energy shortage. In particular, growing MOF films at room temperature with large and uniformly dispersed surfaces has the potential to expose more effective active sites, making them suitable for various applications such as sensing, light harvesting, catalysis, adsorption and separation. This review presents diverse growth methods employed in the fabrication of room temperature-synthesized MOF films, emphasizing their significant applications across various domains. Finally, this review concludes by delving into prospective pathways to propel the progress of MOF film development at room temperature, accompanied by an exploration of the associated challenges that necessitate attention.