Extension of Solvent-Assisted Linker Exchange to Supported Metal–Organic Framework Thin Films

Solvent-assisted linker exchange (SALE) is a common post-synthetic approach to accommodate metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) for targeted applications. This technique is relatively untested in immobilized MOF structures. We adapted SALE techniques with ZIF-8 deposited directly onto solid substrates and assessed the results with a variety of techniques, including time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). Alongside experiments, we used computational modeling to quantify the relative energetics of SALE reactions with a variety of linkers. These techniques together reveal that SALE is translatable to immobilized MOFs when key emergent factors related to synthetic parameters are appropriately considered. The results uncovered can inform future efforts to engender MOF films with functional properties.