Beyond pristine metal-organic frameworks: Preparation and application of nanostructured, nanosized, and analogous MOFs

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been fascinating because of their crystalline structures, permanent porosities, large surface areas, and potential applications. Moreover, the composition, pore architecture, morphology/size, and functionality of MOFs can be further tuned to enhance their efficiency in particular applications. Apparently, the modification of MOFs, including the formation of nanostructured and nanosized MOFs, has attracted intense interest in current MOF-related research and therefore widens their applicability in various research areas. In this review, the preparation of MOFs with various nanostructured features (such as hierarchical/hollow pore architectures and defected structure), together with MOF-based composites, analogous MOFs and nanosized MOFs, will be discussed systematically. Potential applications of such MOF-related materials, especially in adsorption/separation, catalysis, and drug delivery, will be addressed. Finally, some ideas on the possible future development of MOFs with various nanostructured features are suggested.