Applications of MOFs

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), a family of porous crystalline materials generated by coordinated-metal ions in organic linkers, have gained more attention in the last decades due to their distinct structures and diverse uses. However, there are still technical obstacles to their practical implementation owing to MOFs’ inherent fragility and their tiny powder form, such as pipe obstruction, recovery challenges, and possible environmental toxicity. To get over these constraints, research has concentrated on ways to transform nanocrystalline MOFs into macroscopic materials. Recently, methods for forming MOFs into macrostructure beads (0D), nanofibers (1D), membranes (2D), gels/sponges (3D), and membranes with in situ growth or deposition of MOFs with polymers, cotton, foams, or other porous substrates have been devised. This chapter discusses the different uses of MOFs, including biochemistry, cancer treatment, the adsorption of pollutants, and others.