MOFs (METAL-ORGANIC FRAMEWORKS): A FASCINATING CLASS OF POROUS INORGANIC MATERIALS

Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are, according to IUPAC, coordination polymers with an open framework containing potential voids, which can be accessible after activation processes. These materials have aroused interest in the academic environment – and more recently in industry - because their properties such as high crystallinity, permanent microporosity, high surface areas, and the possibility of functionalization. This has enabled applications in different areas, such as gas adsorption, catalysis, drug delivery, photonics and others. Depending on the judicious choice of the metals and the organic linkers, MOFs with different topologies and functions can be created. Synthetic routes for the preparation of these materials will be discussed, highlighting those in consonance with the Green Inorganic Chemistry. Strategies for controlling the size and morphology of the crystals will also be presented, as well the most recent methodologies for the large-scale production. This review will also discuss the use of MOFs in the context of energy and environment, particularly referring to the adsorption and/or transformation of CO2, storage of H2 and CH4 as well potable water capture.

根据国际纯粹与应用化学联合会（International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, IUPAC）的定义，金属有机框架（Metal-Organic Frameworks, MOFs）是一类具备开放骨架结构且内含潜在孔隙的配位聚合物，此类孔隙经活化处理后可被利用。这类材料凭借高结晶度、永久微孔性、高比表面积以及可功能化等特性，不仅在学术界引发广泛关注，近年来在工业界也备受青睐。这使得MOFs得以应用于气体吸附、催化、药物递送、光子学等诸多领域。通过合理选配金属节点与有机配体，可构建出具有不同拓扑结构与功能的MOFs。本文将讨论这类材料的合成路径，重点介绍契合绿色无机化学理念的合成方法。此外还将阐述调控晶体尺寸与形貌的策略，以及用于大规模生产的最新工艺方法。本综述还将探讨MOFs在能源与环境领域的应用，具体涉及二氧化碳的吸附与/或转化、氢气与甲烷储存，以及饮用水捕获等方向。