Fig. 1: Strategy for assembling MOF microcrystals.
From: Low-dimensional assemblies of metal-organic framework particles and mutually coordinated anisotropy
a Cartoons (top panel) and scanning electron micrographs (SEM, bottom panel) showing microcrystals of common MOF families. Scale bars: 500 nm. b, c Schematics showing the self-assembly of MOF microcrystals via depletion interaction induced by ionic amphiphiles (e.g., cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, CTAC). Particles of a representative shape (rhombic dodecahedral, RD, green) are well dispersed in aqueous solution (light blue, b) and then assembled into low-dimensional MOF colloidal superstructures (or supra-framework structures) by establishing shape-directed face-to-face bonds (c). The molecular structure of CTAC, cartoon of the CTAC micelle as depletant, and illustration of protective surface layer are shown. The substrate of assembly (gray) with a smooth or rough surface influences the particle orientation and assembly outcome.
