Metal–Organic Framework UiO-68 and Its Derivatives with Sufficiently Good Properties and Performance Show Promising Prospects in Potential Industrial Applications

This review presents the synthesis, structure, properties, and applications of a Zr-based metal–organic framework UiO-68 and its derivatives. UiO-68, a metal–organic framework that is especially valuable because of its high surface area, exceptional thermal stability, resistance to water and some solvents, and remaining crystalline at high pressure, has great prospects in the industrial field. For synthesis, the solvothermal method and vapor-assisted conversion can be applied, while the latter can be used in the synthesis of films. By tailoring the organic linkers, UiO-68 with desired functionalities can be obtained. The nano-octahedral cavities of UiO-68 contribute to a highly nanoporous structure that can load cargo. Therefore, some applications of UiO-68 and its derivatives classified as catalysts, sorbents, drug or cargo delivery, fluorescent probes, and sensors are summarized.