Nanoimprinted, Submicrometric, MOF-Based 2D Photonic Structures: Toward Easy Selective Vapors Sensing by a Smartphone Camera

In this work, a soft-lithographic approach to fabricate submicrometer metal organic framework (MOF)-based 2D photonic structures is described. Nano-metric zeolitic imidazole framework material ZIF-8 (zinc) is chosen as the sensible MOF material because of its chemical stability and its vapor selective adsorption properties. Two different systems are fabricated: nanopatterned colloidal ZIF-8 homo-and ZIF-8/TiO2 heterostructures. Several features (stripes, squares, etc.) with dimensions of 200 nm are replicated on different substrates such as silicon, flexible plastics, and even aluminum cans, over relatively large surfaces (up to 1 cm 2). In addition, the use of these photonic MOF-heterostructures as very low-cost sensing platforms compatible with smartphone technology is demonstrated. This method relies on the evaluation of the change in diffraction efficiency of the photonic MOF-patterns, induced by the MOF refractive index variation, which is simply detected by a charge coupled device (CCD) camera, as those integrated in smartphones, without need for complex optical instrumentations for transduction data processing. Performances of the sensors are first evaluated using isopropyl alcohol adsorption/desorption cycling as a model case. In addition, a real environmental issue is tackled. Selective detection of styrene in presence of interfering water is demonstrated at concentrations below the human permissible exposure limit. In situ ellispometric analyses are also carried out in order to confirm the sensor performances and to propose a mechanism for styrene uptake into the nanoMOFs.