Functionalization of MOFs

The structural diversity of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has made them the most studied class of porous solids. This, however, does not represent their full synthetic potential. Here, we discuss the functionalization of MOFs using pre-synthetic, in situ, and post-synthetic methods. Based on the strength of the interactions, we categorize these methods into weak, strong, and covalent modifications. Such modifications include the incorporation of functional molecules or nanoparticles into the pores of MOFs, the formation of mesoscopic constructs, the incorporation of metal complexes, the exchange of terminal ligands on the SBU, the substitution of the SBU with metals, the exchange of linkers, topological transformations, and the covalent modification of the organic linker using condensation and cyclization reactions.