Seaming the interfaces between topologically distinct metal–organic frameworks using random copolymer glues

Abstract

Creating novel and multifunctional MOF-on-MOF hetero-architectures to achieve desired properties is a new frontier in MOF research. Herein, we demonstrate a generalizable method to construct core–shell MOFs using rationally designed random copolymer (RCP) glues as mediators to seam the interfaces between MOFs with mismatched topologies and coordination chemistry. The key advantage of this method is that the composition and functionality of the RCPs can be systematically tuned through judicious monomer selection to optimize the shell quality and potentially meet the demand for different core–shell MOFs.