Abstract
Vectorial catalysis—controlling multi‐step reactions in a programmed sequence and by defined spatial localization in a microscale device—is an enticing goal in bio‐inspired catalysis research. However, translating concepts from natural cascade biocatalysis into artificial hierarchical chemical systems remains a challenge. Herein, we demonstrate integration of two different surface‐anchored nanometer‐sized metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) in a microfluidic device for modelling vectorial catalysis. Catalyst immobilization at defined sections along the microchannel and a two‐step cascade reaction was conducted with full conversion after 30 seconds and high turnover frequencies (TOF≈105 h−1).
Controlling multiple reactions in a programmed manner and defined spatial localization is a key goal in catalysis, which is referred to as vectorial catalysis. We realized a proof‐of‐principle metal–organic framework (MOF)‐based vectorial catalysis system by anchoring two different nano‐MOFs at precise spatial positions in the microfluidic device and tested their performance in the catalysis of a two‐step reaction sequence.