Scientific Achievement
An international team of Foundry staff and users have created a method to direct the self-assembly of MOFs and nanocrystals into new types of 2D structures.
Significance and Impact
This is the first time that researchers have been able to guide the self-assembly of organized 2D structures using MOFs and nanocrystals. This development will enable the design of new functional materials for catalysts, energy storage, and more.
Research Details
- The research team performed fundamental physical studies of the energetics of MOF self-assembly to determine the design rules that govern the process.
- Using these rules, the researchers were able to direct the first assembly of organized binary superstructures made of MOFs and nanocrystals.
- Images taken with scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and TEM tomography confirmed the bilayer structure.
- The experimental observations, along with model simulations performed at NERSC, together provide a deep understanding of self-assembly processes.
