Formation of Metal–Organic Frameworks on a Metal Ion-Doped Polymer Substrate: In-Depth Time-Course Analysis Using Scanning Electron Microscopy

The growth of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) on a metal ion-doped polymer as a precursor and support substrate was investigated based on mechanistic and kinetic analyses. The studies were performed by varying the reaction temperature and the concentrations of the organic ligand and nucleation-promoted additive. Using the NH2-MIL-53­(Al) framework as a model system, a systematic study of the mechanism of formation of tetragonal- and rod-shaped NH2-MIL-53­(Al) crystals on the substrate was performed. The nucleation rate in the early stage of the reaction is a major factor in determining the surface morphology of the resultant NH2-MIL-53­(Al) crystal films, as confirmed by changing the concentration of organic ligands and by employing pyridine additives. These results provide a fundamental understanding of the influence of the nucleation rate on the ability to control the morphology and structure of MOF crystal films.