Extension of Solvent-Assisted Linker Exchange to Supported Metal–Organic Framework Thin Films
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Solvent-assisted linker exchange (SALE) is a common postsynthetic approach used to accommodate metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for targeted applications. As this technique is relatively untested in immobilized MOF structures, we repeated the generalized SALE approach with ZIF-8 deposited directly onto solid substrates and assessed the results with a variety of techniques, including time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). Our methods confirm that the supported films maintain their key structural properties while allowing for linker substitution with foreign species. Alongside experiments, we used computational modeling to quantify the relative energetics of SALE reactions with a variety of linkers. These techniques together reveal that SALE is translatable to immobilized MOFs. Additionally, we recognize how various aspects of the postsynthetic approach can bear consequences for the material's final micro- and macroscopic properties. The results uncover basic yet critical details needed to inform future efforts to engineer MOF films with functional properties.
Source: Langmuir
Institutions: Northwestern University, University of Minnesota
Language: English
Subfield: Inorganic Chemistry
Field: Chemistry
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funders: National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Energy, Northwestern University, University of Minnesota, Office of Science, Materials Research Science and Engineering Center, Harvard University, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, Materials Research Science and Engineering Center, Northwestern University, Division of Materials Research, Division of Electrical, Communications and Cyber Systems, Basic Energy Sciences
Awards: NNCI: Soft Hybrid Nanotechnology Experimental (SHyNE) Resource, G1959162771, G2233802770, G2343375527, EFRC CATALYST DESIGN FOR DECARBONIZATION CENTER (CD4DC), G3010471893, G3203750490, Northwestern University Materials Research Science and Engineering Center, G4958141111, G6540817556, G7139330677
OpenAlex ID: W7119476422