Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs)
are among the most exciting materials in modern chemistry. These porous crystal
structures, made by linking metal ions with organic ligands, are
revolutionizing applications from gas storage to drug delivery.
A recent review titled “Metal-Organic
Framework: Classification, Synthetic Approaches and Influencing Factors”
provides a detailed look into how MOFs are designed, synthesized, and
optimized. Let’s break down the key insights in a simple and engaging way.
🧱 What Are MOFs?
MOFs are three-dimensional porous
coordination polymers that combine metal ions with organic linkers to form
highly structured frameworks. They boast extraordinarily high surface area and
tunable pore structures, making them versatile for multiple scientific and
industrial uses.
MOFs exhibit good
crystallinity, structural flexibility, and superior porosity
review-on-metal-organic-framewo…
These properties set MOFs apart
from conventional porous materials like zeolites and activated carbon.
📂 Classification of MOFs
MOFs can be grouped into
different classes based on their components and topologies. The paper
highlights several categories:
- Based on metal centers
- Transition metal-based MOFs
- Lanthanide-based MOFs
- Based on structure
- 1D chain structures
- 2D layered structures
- 3D networks
MOFs are classified by
coordination geometry, metal cluster types, and framework dimensionality
This classification helps
researchers design frameworks for targeted functions like catalysis or gas
adsorption.