The Road to MOF-Related Functional Materials and Beyond: Desire, Design, Decoration, and Development

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) to hydrocarbon fuels

MOF-based photoelectrocatalysis (PEC) using CO2 as an electron donor offers a green, clean, and extensible way to make hydrocarbon fuels under more tolerant conditions. Herein, basic principles of PEC reduction of CO2 and the preparation methods and characterization techniques of MOF-based materials are summarized. Furthermore, three applications of MOFs for improving the photoelectrocatalytic performance of CO2 reduction are described: (i) as photoelectrode alone; (ii) as a co-catalyst of semiconductor photoelectrode or as a substrate for loading dyes, quantum dots, and other co-catalysts; (iii) as one of the components of heterojunction structure. Challenges and future wave surrounding the development of robust PEC CO2 systems based on MOF materials are also discussed briefly.

Metallic elements combine with herbal compounds upload in microneedles to promote wound healing: a review

Wound healing is a dynamic and complex restorative process, and traditional dressings reduce their therapeutic effectiveness due to the accumulation of drugs in the cuticle. As a novel drug delivery system, microneedles (MNs) can overcome the defect and deliver drugs to the deeper layers of the skin. As the core of the microneedle system, loaded drugs exert a significant influence on the therapeutic efficacy of MNs. Metallic elements and herbal compounds have been widely used in wound treatment for their ability to accelerate the healing process. Metallic elements primarily serve as antimicrobial agents and facilitate the enhancement of cell proliferation. Whereas various herbal compounds act on different targets in the inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling phases of wound healing. The interaction between the two drugs forms nanoparticles (NPs) and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), reducing the toxicity of the metallic elements and increasing the therapeutic effect. This article summarizes recent trends in the development of MNs made of metallic elements and herbal compounds for wound healing, describes their advantages in wound treatment, and provides a reference for the development of future MNs.

Recent Advances in Multifunctional Reticular Framework Nanoparticles: A Paradigm Shift in Materials Science Road to a Structured Future

Porous organic frameworks (POFs) have become a highly sought-after research domain that offers a promising avenue for developing cutting-edge nanostructured materials, both in their pristine state and when subjected to various chemical and structural modifications. Metal-organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks, and hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks are examples of these emerging materials that have gained significant attention due to their unique properties, such as high crystallinity, intrinsic porosity, unique structural regularity, diverse functionality, design flexibility, and outstanding stability. This review provides an overview of the state-of-the-art research on base-stable POFs, emphasizing the distinct pros and cons of reticular framework nanoparticles compared to other types of nanocluster materials. Thereafter, the review highlights the unique opportunity to produce multifunctional tailoring nanoparticles to meet specific application requirements. It is recommended that this potential for creating customized nanoparticles should be the driving force behind future synthesis efforts to tap the full potential of this multifaceted material category.

Recent Advances in Metal-Organic Frameworks Derived Nanocomposites for Photocatalytic Applications in Energy and Environment

Solar energy is a key sustainable energy resource, and materials with optimal properties are essential for efficient solar energy-driven applications in photocatalysis. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are excellent platforms to generate different nanocomposites comprising metals, oxides, chalcogenides, phosphides, or carbides embedded in porous carbon matrix. These MOF derived nanocomposites offer symbiosis of properties like high crystallinities, inherited morphologies, controllable dimensions, and tunable textural properties. Particularly, adjustable energy band positions achieved by in situ tailored self/external doping and controllable surface functionalities make these nanocomposites promising photocatalysts. Despite some progress in this field, fundamental questions remain to be addressed to further understand the relationship between the structures, properties, and photocatalytic performance of nanocomposites. In this review, different synthesis approaches including self-template and external-template methods to produce MOF derived nanocomposites with various dimensions (0D, 1D, 2D, or 3D), morphologies, chemical compositions, energy bandgaps, and surface functionalities are comprehensively summarized and analyzed. The state-of-the-art progress in the applications of MOF derived nanocomposites in photocatalytic water splitting for H2 generation, photodegradation of organic pollutants, and photocatalytic CO2 reduction are systemically reviewed. The relationships between the nanocomposite properties and their photocatalytic performance are highlighted, and the perspectives of MOF derived nanocomposites for photocatalytic applications are also discussed.

Trends and Prospects in UiO-66 Metal-Organic Framework for CO2 Capture, Separation, and Conversion

Among thousands of known metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), the University of Oslo's MOF (UiO-66) exhibits unique structure topology, chemical and thermal stability, and intriguing tunable properties, that have gained incredible research interest. This paper summarizes the structural advancement of UiO-66 and its role in CO₂ capture, separation, and transformation into chemicals. The first part of the review summarizes the fast-growing literature related to the CO₂ capture reported by UiO-66 during the past ten years. The second part provides an overview of various advancements in UiO-66 membranes in CO₂ purification. The third part describes the role of UiO-66 and its composites as catalysts for CO₂ conversion into useful products. Despite many achievements, significant challenges associated with UiO-66 are addressed, and future perspectives are comprehensively presented to forecast how UiO-66 might be used further for CO₂ management.

C2-H Arylation of Indoles Catalyzed by Palladium-Containing Metal-Organic-Framework in γ-Valerolactone

An efficient and selective procedure was developed for the direct C2-H arylation of indoles using a Pd-loaded metal-organic framework (MOF) as a heterogeneous catalyst and the nontoxic biomass-derived solvent γ-valerolactone (GVL) as a reaction medium. The developed method allows for excellent yields and C-2 selectivity to be achieved and tolerates various substituents on the indole scaffold. The established conditions ensure the stability of the catalyst as well as recoverability, reusability, and low metal leaching into the solution.

Current Trends in the Application of Nanomaterials for the Removal of Emerging Micropollutants and Pathogens from Water

Water resources contamination has a worldwide impact and is a cause of global concern. The need for provision of clean water is becoming more and more demanding. Nanotechnology may support effective strategies for the treatment, use and reuse of water and the development of next-generation water supply systems. The excellent properties and effectiveness of nanomaterials make them particularly suitable for water/wastewater treatment. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the main categories of nanomaterials used in catalytic processes (carbon nanotubes/graphitic carbon nitride (CNT/g-C₃N₄) composites/graphene-based composites, metal oxides and composites, metal–organic framework and commercially available nanomaterials). These materials have found application in the removal of different categories of pollutants, including pharmaceutically active compounds, personal care products, organic micropollutants, as well as for the disinfection of bacterial, viral and protozoa microbial targets, in water and wastewater matrices. Apart from reviewing the characteristics and efficacy of the aforementioned nanoengineered materials for the removal of different pollutants, we have also recorded performance limitations issues (e.g., toxicity, operating conditions and reuse) for their practical application in water and wastewater treatment on large scale. Research efforts and continuous production are expected to support the development of eco-friendly, economic and efficient nanomaterials for real life applications in the near future.