Preparation and applications of metal–organic frameworks composed of sulfonic acid

Functionalized metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) attract much attention recently because of the possible applications in various fields owing to the loaded functionalities. In this review, MOFs composed of sulfonic acid (MOF-SAs) are discussed in the view of the preparation and uses. At first, the preparation of the MOF-SAs, via both the direct synthesis and post-synthetic modification, is delineated. Potential applications of the MOF-SAs mainly in the adsorption and separation (with those in acid catalysis and proton conduction) are also discussed. Finally, prospects of the MOF-SAs in the relevant fields are also suggested after a summary of the research thus far.