From imperfection to innovation: Exploring defect engineering in metal-organic frameworks

Abstract

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have gained prominence in various scientific fields due to their unique structural properties and tunable functionalities. Composed of metal ions and organic linkers, these porous materials are structured to create an extensive network of interconnected voids, enabling diverse applications such as gas adsorption, separation, and catalysis. However, the structural stability of MOFs is frequently compromised due to factors like metal ion selection and environmental conditions, highlighting the importance of defect engineering. This emerging subfield focuses on intentionally modulating defects within MOFs, allowing for the enhancement of material performance by creating active sites and improving adsorption capacities. Recent advancements in experimental techniques have facilitated the identification and characterization of these defects, revealing their significant impact on MOF properties. The exploration of defects has opened new avenues for applications in adsorption, membrane separation, photocatalysis, degradation of pollutants and antibacterial, suggesting that defective MOFs may outperform their ideal counterparts. This review synthesizes key research findings from the past three years, detailing various strategies for defect manipulation and their implications for structure and functionality. By embracing the complexities of defects, this work underscores the potential of defective MOFs in addressing critical global challenges and shaping future material innovations.