Direct growth of Keggin polyoxometalates incorporated copper 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate metal organic framework films on a copper metal substrate

Keggin heteropolyacid incorporated Cu-3(BTC)(2) (BTC=1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid) thin films were grown on metallic Cu substrates in various solvents at ambient conditions. The Keggin heteropolyacid templated the growth of Cu-3(BTC)(2) crystals while the Cu substrate served as CO2+-ion source. To obtain smooth, homogeneous films the optimal growth conditions found were in an ethanolic solution in contact with ambient air. X-ray diffraction measurements showed a preferred (100) orientation of the Cu-3(BTC)(2) crystals in ethanol while the use of a water-based solvent yielded a dominating (111) orientation. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.