Magnetic MOF Nanoflower Hybrid From Mismatched Topologies

ABSTRACT

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are a rapidly evolving class of microporous materials. Their versatility stems from the use of different linkers combined with secondary building units, resulting in a diverse array of organic–inorganic hybrid structures. These nanostructures and their hybrid assemblies exhibit unique properties. However, synthesizing nano‐sized MOFs with precise morphologies remains a challenge. Moreover, controlling the nucleation and growth of MOFs on a substrate with differing topology is difficult owing to the high interfacial energy resulting from topology mismatch. Here, we report the synthesis of a Mn‐coordinated platelet‐like micro‐sized MOF and its morphological transformation into a flower‐like nanohybrid via a sequential growth strategy. This enables thermodynamically favorable interfacial coordination driven by Mn ²⁺ anchoring to the Fe ₃ O ₄ surface by manipulating the bond strength and degree of freedom of the MOF precursors, resulting in a hierarchical morphology with multifunctional properties. This also prevents agglomeration and leaching of the core particles. Overall, this work highlights a pathway for precise morphological control in MOF hybrid hierarchical nanostructures, thereby broadening their functional scope and enhancing their application potential. The superparamagnetic nature of the hybrid enables rapid magnetic recoverability, making it suitable for practical applications such as catalysis and decontamination.