Future Challenges and Opportunities in the Field of Metal-Organic Frameworks

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are an innovative class of porous materials, permit exceptional structural and compositional diversity beyond the conventional solid-state materials. MOFs are generally produced by joining the metal-containing units with desired organic linkers by applying the reticular synthesis that constructs the strong bonds between the two subunits. Circumspect selection of these two subunits may yield the MOFs with extraordinary porosity and tunability and these characteristics allow them for various applications such as high density energy storage, separation, catalysis, drug delivery as well as ease the host-guest interactions for the precise control of electronic structure. They also control the functions of a material by the integration of inorganic and organic components. It is also known that MOFs with their chemical properties and shapes of their building units can be varied within a structure and could then lead to materials that offer a combination of synergistic properties. Thus, these kinds of materials are the need of the hour. Herein, we have explored the relevant challenges and possible opportunities toward the MOFs for the betterment of human beings.