Convergent and Divergent Paired Electrodeposition of Metal-Organic Framework Thin Films

Abstract Employing the environmentally friendly methods for synthesis of the metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is an urgent need and sustainable development in the synthesis of these compounds is essential. In this way, ignoring the counter electrode reaction is a potentially negative point from green chemistry standpoint which increases some issues like energy consumption and reaction time. We wish to introduce the “ paired electrodeposition ” ( PED ) technique as a new method for the simultaneous synthesis and deposition of the MOF thin films (MOFTFs). This protocol implements the uniform pattern of two MOFTF modified substrates by “ convergent (CPED: Zn a /Zn c -MOFTFs) and divergent (DPED: Cu a /Zn c -MOFTFs) paired electrodeposition ” via a one-step synthesis. With the rule of thumb, enhanced energy efficiency and atom economy, increasing electrochemical yield, time-saving along with a variety of products are advantages of this technique. Besides, the “ Electrode Modification Efficiency ” has introduced for the evaluation of functionality and modification efficiency of electrochemical heterogeneous systems, especially MOFTFs. To investigate this concept, we synthesized Zn 3 (BTC) 2 and Cu 3 (BTC) 2 as MOF models under constant current electrolysis in water and at room temperature. This work can make a breakthrough in the green synthesis of metal-organic frameworks.