Shaping of metal-organic frameworks, a critical step toward industrial applications

The unique advantages of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), such as ultrahigh porosity and large specific surface areas, have made MOFs promising candidates for various applications, especially in molecular separation, catalysis, and gas storage. One critical barrier that hinders the large-scale implementation of MOF-based materials for future real-world applications is their poor processibility. MOFs are usually synthesized as microcrystalline powders, which need to be shaped into various macroscopic bodies to promote convenient handling and fitting into current industrial processes. In the recent decade, much effort has been made to explore possible methods for MOF shaping. In this Perspective, critical achievements in the MOF shaping methods are briefly introduced; these can be categorized into post-synthetic hybridization and in situ crystallization strategies. Discussions on the advantages and possible limitations of these methods are made based on the specific scenarios of their targeting applications. Finally, the current challenges and future research directions in the field of MOF shaping are briefly proposed.