Catalytic Zirconium/Hafnium-Based Metal–Organic Frameworks

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are highly versatile materials that find applications in several fields. Highly stable zirconium/hafnium-based MOFs were recently introduced and nowadays represent a rapidly growing family. Their unique and intriguing properties make them privileged materials and outstanding candidates in heterogeneous catalysis, finding use either as catalysts or catalyst supports. Various techniques have been developed to incorporate active species into Zr-MOFs, giving rise to catalysts that often demonstrate higher performances or unusual activity when compared with their homogeneous analogues. Catalytic functions are commonly incorporated at the zirconium-oxide node, at the linker, or encapsulated in the pores. Representative examples are discussed, and advantages in adopting Zr- and Hf-MOFs in catalytic applications are highlighted.