Constructing metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to have a desired structure from the given components is critical to achieve ideal MOFs with optimal properties. However, thermodynamics and/or kinetics typically impose a restriction on MOF structures. Here, we report the MOF farming concept to produce a naturally nonpreferred structure from the given components. The HKUST-1 template offers ideal places for the efficient seeding and epitaxial growth of Ga-MIL-88B that is a naturally nonpreferred structure however intentionally produced instead of the preferred Ga-MIL-68. The MOF growth on the differently shaped HKUST-1 templates (octahedral, cuboctahedral, and cubic), containing different exposed lattices, proves that a hexagonal lattice with an exposed {111} plane of HKUST-1 selectively directs the perpendicular growth of Ga-MIL-88B, owing to the lattice matching with the {001} plane of Ga-MIL-88B. The grown Ga-MIL-88B is isolated in a pure form, and the refreshed template is reused to grow additional Ga-MIL-88B.
Keywords: MOF farming; MOF-on-MOF growth; crystal growth; epitaxial growth; metal−organic framework.