‘HOT’ Perspective feature article – catalytic MOFs
This feature article summarises the unique properties of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and discusses their potential as catalysts.
The authors explore the idea that MOFs have the potential to catalyze any number of new reactions:
“We experience a unique opportunity to imagine and design heterogeneous catalysts, which might catalyze reactions previously thought impossible.”
Catalysis by metal–organic frameworks: fundamentals and opportunities
Marco Ranocchiari and Jeroen Anton van Bokhoven
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2011, DOI: 10.1039/C0CP02394A
- those with active site on the framework
- those with encapsulated active species
- those with active sites attached through post-synthetic modification
The authors also identify the unique characteristics that distinguish MOFs from other materials:
- tunable porosity
- the ability to fine tune the structure of the active site and its environment
- the presence of multiple active sites
- the opportunity to synthesize structures in which key–lock bonding of substrates occurs
