Colloid-assisted growth of metal–organic framework nanoparticles

Abstract

A new colloid-assisted approach is introduced to synthesize metal–organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles. Polystyrene latex (PS) nanocolloids were used as model colloids, which provide active surface sites for the controlled, in situ growth of MOF nanoparticles. Interactions among the colloid surfaces, ligands, and metal ions were studied systematically to map out the possible formation pathways of the MOF nanoparticles.