Light-induced MOF synthesis enabling composite photothermal materials

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of porous materials known for their large surface areas. Thus, over the past few decades the development of MOFs and their applications has been a major topic of interest throughout the scientific community. However, many current conventional syntheses of MOFs are lengthy solvothermal processes carried out at elevated temperatures. Herein, we developed a rapid light-induced synthesis of MOFs by harnessing the plasmonic photothermal abilities of bipyramidal gold nanoparticles (AuBPs). The generality of the photo-induced method was demonstrated by synthesizing four different MOFs utilizing three different wavelengths (520 nm, 660 nm and 850 nm). Furthermore, by regulating light exposure, AuBPs could be embedded in the MOF or maintained in the supernatant. Notably, the AuBPs-embedded MOF (AuBP@UIO-66) retained its plasmonic properties along with the extraordinary surface area typical to MOFs. The photothermal AuBP@UIO-66 demonstrated a significant light-induced heating response that was utilized for ultrafast desorption and MOF activation.