Coordination‐Driven Assembly of Metal–Organic Framework Coating for Catalytically Active Superhydrophobic Surface

Abstract

AbstractHere, a superhydrophobic and catalytically active metal–organic framework (MOF) coating is reported by coordination‐driven assembly of MOF nanoparticles and a catechol‐functionalized polysiloxane polymer. This MOF coating can be fabricated by casting MOF‐polymer precursor onto diverse substrates with varied coating techniques, for example, spray coating, bar coating, and dip coating. The catechol‐functionalized polymer can not only coordinate to the open metal sites on MOF surface which enables the surface functionalization and assembly of MOF nanoparticles, but also allow non‐covalent interactions with casting substrates—thus improving the substrate adhesion of the MOF coating. With the well‐preserved porosity and surface hydrophobicity, the MOF coating demonstrates superhydrophobicity as well as improved catalytic activity toward the Knoevenagel condensation at room temperature. Such coordination‐driven assembly approach can be extended to a range of MOF systems for preparing highly functional composite materials toward various applications.