Wei pioneered a novel technique for coating nano-particles

Wei and colleagues have revolutionized the Stöber method, originally for amorphous SiO₂ colloids, by extending it to metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and coordination polymers (CPs). Their innovative approach harnesses the slow, continuous diffusion of triethylamine (TEA) vapor to precisely control the deprotonation of organic ligands, paving the way for creating finely crafted amorphous CP spheres.

Zhang-Pinna-method: The synthesis of aMOFs and aCPs colloids and core-shell structures via mimicking the Stöber method.

Starting with a solution of metal ions and organic ligands, TEA vapor initiates the deprotonation process, allowing ligands to bond with metal ions and form intricate amorphous MOF or CP structures. Remarkably versatile, this method has successfully synthesized 24 distinct amorphous CP spheres using diverse metal ions and ligands. By introducing guest nanoparticles, they’ve achieved uniform core-shell colloids with conformal amorphous CP coatings.

But wait, there’s more! The method’s gradual deprotonation process enables the heterogeneous nucleation of amorphous MOFs on any substrate, regardless of its chemistry, structure, or morphology. This adaptability facilitated the synthesis of over 100 core-shell colloids, combining 20 different amorphous MOF or CP shells with more than 30 different core-nanoparticles.

And that’s not all! These core-amorphous MOF shell colloids can easily transform into diverse functional colloids using liquid-phase or solid-state processes.

Excitingly, these amorphous-based core-shell colloids hold immense potential as sacrificial templates for crafting multifunctional nanostructures. Yolk-shell architectures, featuring voids between the core and shell, are particularly promising for catalytic reactions, energy storage solutions, and advanced drug delivery systems.