Large-Area, Freestanding MOF Films of Planar, Curvilinear, or Micropatterned Topographies

Freestanding MOF films up to six-inches across and replicating various surface (micro) patterns are prepared via a templated growth method. When grown on copper supports, these films have preferred orientation of the constituent crystallites, translating into markedly different wetting properties of the film's two surfaces (water-pinning vs. water repellant). In addition, the films exhibit differential sorption of various organic solvents, can recover oil spills from seawater, and can also act as active layers of chemical sensors.