Crystal growth of the nanoporous metal-organic framework HKUST-1 revealed by in situ atomic force microscopy

Abstract

(Figure Presented) Watching crystals grow: In situ atomic force microscopy has been used to observe the crystal growth of the nanoporous metal-organic framework HKUST-1. This real-time study provides evidence that the growth of HKUST-1 under the given supersaturation conditions is through a surface nucleation mechanism and presents insight into the units of attachment during the growth of the 1.5 nm high steps on the crystal surface (see picture). © 2008 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.