Anisotropy in metal–organic framework thin films

MOF thin films are a gigantic category of porous materials composed of organic ligands in connection with metallic nodes. The fabrication of specifically oriented MOF films on surfaces has drawn great attention. Governing the direction of these porous materials at the molecular scale affords pores that are specifically aligned along the desired direction, through which functional, sometimes unprecedented mechanical, thermal, electrical, and photonic properties could be achieved. Anisotropic properties are an amazing feature of MOFs that could pave the way for their application to advanced technologies such as optics, microelectronics, and sensing. In this highlight, we discuss the anisotropic physical properties of MOF thin films and the prominent specific properties obtained for oriented thin films in various applications.