Nanoscale lithography of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs)

Here we have it, probably the most beautiful Journal Cover 2021 for the coming cover of the January 2021 issue of Nature Materials, by researchers from KU Leuven in Belgium, TU Munich, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Graz University of Technology and University of Adelaide.

Nanoscale lithography of metal–organic frameworks

The low dielectric constants and high porosity of MOFs are of interest for applications in electronics and sensors, but patterning techniques for these materials are in their infancy. Here, direct X-ray and electron-beam lithography at sub-50-nm resolution are reported that leave porosity and crystallinity intact.

Tu, M., Xia, B., Kravchenko, D.E. et al. Direct X-ray and electron-beam lithography of halogenated zeolitic imidazolate frameworks. Nat. Mater. 20, 93–99 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41563-020-00827-x

Image: Rob Ameloot. Cover Design: Thomas Phillips.