Creating hierarchically porous banana paper-metal organic framework (MOF) composites with multifunctionality

Abstract

We report a robust approach to integrate metal-organic frameworks (MOF) via vapor phase synthesis on a cost-effective and mechanically durable fibrous banana paper (BP) substrate developed from lignocellulosic biomass. The unique hollow fibrous structure of BP combined with the methodology used produces MOF-fiber composites with uniform MOF distribution and enhanced functionalities, with minimal use of organic solvents. The BP-MOF composites demonstrate a high surface area of 552 m2/g and uniform surface growth of MOF on them. Mechanical strength and bending flexibility of the substrate is well retained after the MOF growth, while the hollow tubular nature and hierarchical porosity of the BP facilitate gas diffusion. The BP-MOF composites demonstrate strong antibacterial activity with 99.2% of E.coli destroyed within the first hour of incubation. Preliminary studies with smartphone-based volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor show enhanced 1-octen-3-ol vapor absorption on BP-MOF, indicating its potential for VOC capture and sensing. We believe that the sustainable nature and flexibility of the lignocellulosic BP substrate taken together with uniform growth of MOF on the hierarchically porous BP impart impressive attributes to these composites, which can be explored in diverse applications.