Metal Organic frameworks (MOFs) are a promising class of hybrid porous materials that have been widely tested for gas storage and separation. However, the unique properties of MOFs mean that they can be also employed for the preparation of sensors, luminescent devices, molecular sequestrating agents and storage-release materials. Due to their potential technological applications, MOFs are promising materials for the fabrication of advanced devices. However, to enable the use of the ultra-porous crystals within miniaturized device platforms, techniques for accurately positioning MOFs need to be developed. In this rapidly evolving area of research, different approaches for positioning MOFs are currently under investigation. For example, methods including surface functionalization, electrodeposition, heterogeneous seeding, micro-contact printing, photolithography, Langmuir-Blodgettry and pseudomorphic replication have shown interesting results for permanently positioning MOFs on a substrate.

While the capability of positioning individual MOF crystals has been proved for some of the previously mentioned protocols, the dyn

amic control of a single MOF particle has not been previously reported. This single crystal control would allow for the full exploitation of the MOF functional properties, enabling new additional abilities within miniaturized platforms. For instance, the porous crystal could be used as a repositionable absorber, carrier or releasing medium.

Source: Falcaro et al. Journal of Material Chemistry C, 2013