Nanoparticle/Metal-Organic Framework Composites for Catalytic Applications: Current Status and Perspective

Encapsulation of Metal Nanoparticles within Metal-Organic Frameworks for the Reduction of Nitro Compounds

Nitro group reduction is a reaction of a considerable importance for the preparation of bulk chemicals and in organic synthesis. There are reports in the literature showing that incorporation of metal nanoparticles (MNPs) inside metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) is a suitable strategy to develop catalysts for these reactions. Some of the examples reported in the literature have shown activity data confirming the superior performance of MNPs inside MOFs. In the present review, the existing literature reports have been grouped depending on whether these MNPs correspond to a single metal or they are alloys. The final section of this review summarizes the state of the art and forecasts future developments in the field.

Computer-aided discovery of connected metal-organic frameworks

Composite metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) tend to possess complex interfaces that prevent facile and rational design. Here we present a joint computational/experimental workflow that screens thousands of MOFs and identifies the optimal MOF pairs that can seamlessly connect to one another by taking advantage of the fact that the metal nodes of one MOF can form coordination bonds with the linkers of the second MOF. Six MOF pairs (HKUST-1@MOF-5, HKUST-1@IRMOF-18, UiO-67@HKUST-1, PCN-68@MOF-5, UiO-66@MIL-88B(Fe) and UiO-67@MIL-88C(Fe)) yielded from our theoretical predictions were successfully synthesized, leading to clean single crystalline MOF@MOF, demonstrating the power of our joint workflow. Our work can serve as a starting point to accelerate the discovery of novel MOF composites that can potentially be used for many different applications.

Metal Organic Frameworks Based Materials for Heterogeneous Photocatalysis

The increase in environmental pollution due to the excessive use of fossil fuels has prompted the development of alternative and sustainable energy sources. As an abundant and sustainable energy, solar energy represents the most attractive and promising clean energy source for replacing fossil fuels. Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are easily constructed and can be tailored towards favorable photocatalytic properties in pollution degradation, organic transformations, CO₂ reduction and water splitting. In this review, we first summarize the different roles of MOF materials in the photoredox chemical systems. Then, the typical applications of MOF materials in heterogeneous photocatalysis are discussed in detail. Finally, the challenges and opportunities in this promising field are evaluated.