Thin films of homochiral metal-organic frameworks for chiroptical spectroscopy and enantiomer separation

Abstract

Chiral nanoporous solids are a fascinating class of materials, allowing efficient enantiomer separation. Here, we review the status, applications, and potential of thin films of homochiral metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Combining the advantages of MOFs, whose well-defined, crystalline structures can be rationally tuned, with the benefits of thin films enables new opportunities for the characterization of the enantioselectivity, e.g., via chiroptical spectroscopy and straightforward molecular uptake quantifications. By incorporating photoresponsive molecules in the chiral MOF films, the enantioselectivity of the material can be dynamically remote-controlled. The most promising application of MOF films is their use as membranes, where the enantioselective separation of chiral molecules is demonstrated and parameters for further improvements are discussed.