Dependence of solvents, pH, molar ratio and temperature in tuning metal organic framework architecture

One of the strategic goals in crystal engineering is to synthesize the crystals with predictable structures and valuable properties. Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs), a new class of crystalline porous materials, is a recent upsurge of interest in materials research. The challenges in the area encompass the deliberate control of structure, and therefore the properties and function, as many synthetic factors play a subtle role in the crystallization of MOFs. Among many influencing factors, nature of solvents, pH, molar ratio of reactants and temperature are four crucial parameters that determine the overall architectures of MOFs. This review presents the effect of these major parameters on the synthesis of several MOFs to clearly understand their influence on the nature of binding and formation of different MOF structures.