Metal-organic framework nanocrystal-derived hollow porous materials: Synthetic strategies and emerging applications

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have garnered multidisciplinary attention due to their structural tailorability, controlled pore size, and physicochemical functions, and their inherent properties can be exploited by applying them as precursors and/or templates for fabricating derived hollow porous nanomaterials. The fascinating, functional properties and applications of MOF-derived hollow porous materials primarily lie in their chemical composition, hollow character, and unique porous structure. Herein, a comprehensive overview of the synthetic strategies and emerging applications of hollow porous materials derived from MOF-based templates and/or precursors is given. Based on the role of MOFs in the preparation of hollow porous materials, the synthetic strategies are described in detail, including (1) MOFs as removable templates, (2) MOF nanocrystals as both self-sacrificing templates and precursors, (3) MOF@secondary-component core-shell composites as precursors, and (4) hollow MOF nanocrystals and their composites as precursors. Subsequently, the applications of these hollow porous materials for chemical catalysis, electrocatalysis, energy storage and conversion, and environmental management are presented. Finally, a perspective on the research challenges and future opportunities and prospects for MOF-derived hollow materials is provided.