Wafer-Scale Synthesis of Monolayer Organic-Framework Films

Monolayer metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent-organic frameworks (COFs), also known as two-dimensional (2D) polymers, are one-molecule-thick films composed of periodically linked monomers. They offer an ideal material system for various applications such as water purification, catalysis, sensors, etc. However, it is often difficult to create intact, monolayer MOF/COF films over large areas that can be transferred onto substrates. In this presentation, I will introduce a new approach, namely laminar assembly polymerization (LAP), for the synthesis of 2D porphyrin polymer films with wafer-scale homogeneity in the ultimate limit of monolayer thickness. The porphyrin monomers could form monolayers of MOFs with Cu²⁺ linkers or COFs with terephthalaldehyde linkers. Both the lattice structures and optical properties of these films were directly controlled by the molecular monomers and linkage chemistries. Our monolayer films are fully compatible with existing large-scale patterning and integration methods, which we successfully demonstrate by producing arrays of hybrid heterostructures and superlattices built layer by layer using 2D polymers and 2D atomic crystals.

Reference: Y. Zhong, et al. Science. 2019, 366, 1379.