Reticular Chemistry of Multifunctional Metal-Organic Framework Materials

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are crystalline solids constructed by means of reticular chemistry (refers to the connection of molecular building units via strong bonds to make extended structures), which is currently one of the most rapidly expanding platforms for new functional materials. Rational combinations of various building units enable MOFs to show tailorable pore structures. Based on well-established approaches, including the control over pore size and pore chemistry, immobilization of functional sites, post-synthetic modification, and multivariate complex, multifunctional MOFs can be readily synthesized. In this brief review, we summarize and highlight our research progress in MOF chemistry on applications including gas storage, gas separations, optical response, chemical sensing, proton conduction, and molecular recognitions.