Unveiling molecular origami: A breakthrough in dynamic materials
UNIST
Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) have long been recognized for their structural flexibility, making them an ideal platform for origami tessellation-based materials. However, their application in this context is still in its early stages. Through the development of a 2D MOF based on the origami tessellation, the research team has achieved a significant milestone. The researchers utilized temperature-dependent synchrotron single-crystal X-ray diffraction to demonstrate the origami-like folding behavior of the 2D MOF in response to temperature changes. This behavior showcases negative thermal expansion and reveals a unique origami tessellation pattern, previously unseen at the molecular level.
The key to this breakthrough lies in the choice of MOFs, which incorporate flexible structural building blocks. The inherent flexibility enables the origami-like movement, observed in the 2D MOF. The study highlights the deformable net topology of the materials. Additionally, the role of solvents in maintaining the packing between 2D framework in MOFs is emphasized, as it directly affects the degree of folding.
“This groundbreaking research opens new avenues for origami-inspired materials at the molecular level, introducing the concept of origamic MOFs. The findings not only contribute to the understanding of dynamic behavior in MOFs, but also offer potential applications in mechanical metamaterials.” noted Professor Wonyoung Choe. He further highlighted the potential of molecular level control over origami movement, as a platform for designing advanced materials with unique mechanical properties. The study also suggests exciting possibilities for tailoring origamic MOFs for specific applications, including advancements in molecular quantum computing.
Original publication
Eunji Jin, In Seong Lee, D. ChangMo Yang, Dohyung Moon, Joohan Nam, Hyeonsoo Cho, Eunyoung Kang, Junghye Lee, Hyuk-Jun Noh, Seung Kyu Min, and Wonyoung Choe, “Origamic Metal-Organic Framework toward Mechanical Metamaterial,” Nature Communctions, (2023).
Original publication
Eunji Jin, In Seong Lee, D. ChangMo Yang, Dohyung Moon, Joohan Nam, Hyeonsoo Cho, Eunyoung Kang, Junghye Lee, Hyuk-Jun Noh, Seung Kyu Min, and Wonyoung Choe, “Origamic Metal-Organic Framework toward Mechanical Metamaterial,” Nature Communctions, (2023).
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