Morphology Transcription in Hierarchical MOF-on-MOF Architectures

Controlled morphology replication is a powerful method to fabricate materials with designable morphology and functions. However, this process is usually restricted to simple systems containing limited components. Herein, we report a powerful strategy to fabricate hierarchical metal-organic framework (MOF)-on-polymer heteroarchitectures that can serve as a multifunctional platform for target functions. Followed by polymerization of styrene inside the framework and template removal processes in aqueous tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate solution, hierarchical MOF-on-MOF architectures undergo a direct transcription to a hybrid crystalline–amorphous material with well-maintained morphology and distribution. Various sizes, distributions, and concentrations of MOFs can be introduced into the polymer matrix through this templated synthesis. The compositions of both MOF and polymer components are also highly tunable to form an unprecedented library of MOF/polymer heteroarchitectures. This work presents a facile and general method to prepare sophisticated hybrid materials with integrated functions.