Fabrication methods and applications of metal-organic framework thin films

As one of the most promising nanomaterials, metal-organic framework (MOF) thin films (also known as surfacesupported MOF thin films, SURMOFs) have attracted much attention in recent years. The development of various synthetic methods makes it possible to obtain MOF thin films with controlled thickness, uniformity, morphology, and even dimensions, providing tremendous opportunities for more applications. Different synthesis methods of MOF thin films based on liquid phase or vacuum range were first introduced, and one of the most effective ways to fabricate quality thin films was depositing self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on the primary substrate to further induce the nucleation and growth of MOF thin films. Furthermore, some traditional applications of MOF thin films (e. g. separation, catalysis, sensing) were summarized, as well as some newly-developed applications in photocatalysis, energy storage, photovoltaics, and electronic devices, which meet the demands for environmental sustainability and cleaner energy. Although the future is promising, MOF thin films still face some challenges. Therefore, some key factors those limit the MOF films' practical application were discussed, for example, the unclear growth mechanism of thin films, the poor quality and low film thermoe lectric performance. Based on the review of recent developments, this article will provide references for the future research of MOF thin films.