A Roadmap to Implementing Metal–Organic Frameworks in Electronic Devices: Challenges and Critical Directions

Abstract

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and related material classes are attracting considerable attention for applications such as gas storage, separations, and catalysis. In contrast, research focused on potential uses in electronic devices is in its infancy. Several sensing concepts in which the tailorable chemistry of MOFs is used to enhance sensitivity or provide chemical specificity have been demonstrated, but in only a few cases are MOFs an integral part of an actual device. The synthesis of a few electrically conducting MOFs and their known structural flexibility suggest that MOF-based electronic devices exploiting these properties could be constructed. It is clear, however, that new fabrication methods are required to take advantage of the unique properties of MOFs and extend their use to the realms of electronic circuitry. In this Concepts article, we describe the basic functional elements needed to fabricate electronic devices and summarize the current state of relevant MOF research, and then review recent work in which MOFs serve as active components in electronic devices. Finally, we propose a high-level roadmap for device-related MOF research, the objective of which is to stimulate thinking within the MOF community concerning the development these materials for applications including sensing, photonics, and microelectronics.

Chemical principles for electroactive metal–organic frameworks

“…With the number of reports on conductive MOFs rapidly increasing, a roadmap for future progress is illustrated in Figure 4, drawing from the earlier perspective of Allendorf et al 46 .…”

Identifying the Role of Terahertz Vibrations in Metal-Organic Frameworks: From Gate-Opening Phenomenon to Shear-Driven Structural Destabilization

“…By virtue of their modular open framework architecture [3], MOFs feature large surface areas typically in the range of 1000 to 10 000 m 2 g −1 [1], which are far superior to any traditional porous materials, such as inorganic zeolites and activated carbons. In addition to familiar uses of porous materials, where MOFs have extensively been targeted at gas storage [4] and carbon dioxide capture [5], trends have recently shifted towards less conventional applications, ranging from microelectronics and dielectrics to photocatalysis for sustainable hydrogen production, and from drug encapsulation to multifunctional sensors [6]. Realization of these emergent technologies requires knowledge of their fundamental physical properties, particularly an understanding of the lattice dynamics [7] underpinning the elasticity of MOFs [8,9], which is central to structural stability [10] and thermo-mechanical behavior of framework materials [11].…”

Highly Active Non-PGM Catalysts Prepared from Metal Organic Frameworks

“…MOFs are porous materials comprised organic ligands coordinated to transition metal ions [9,10]. Recently, research surrounding the chemistry and diverse applications of MOF-based materials has experienced tremendous growth [11][12][13][14]. For instance, Proietti et al demonstrated that the addition of iron precursors with a Zn-ZIF can give superior fuel cell performance [15].…”