Electrochemically Induced Synthesis and Surface Deposition and Growth of Crystalline Metal-Organic Frameworks

Problem: Need to grow MOFs on surfaces to make continuous crack-free membranes Technology: The invention describes a novel approach to the growth and synthesis of MOFs that result in direct deposition of MOF crystals and crystalline films on a conductive surface. The approach involves electrochemical generation of base equivalents (such as hydroxide) by the reduction of water, oxoanions, or other reductive processes that increase the local pH near a conductive surface (electrode). The base equivalents (such as hydroxide anions) generated at the cathode deprotonate precursor ligands in the electrolyte solution, which then react with metal cations to form crystallite particles on the conductive surface. Christopher Noble crn@mit.edu