An updated status and trends in actinide metal-organic frameworks (An-MOFs): From synthesis to application

Actinide metal-organic frameworks (An-MOFs) consisting of actinide nodes and organic linkers represent an underexplored category of coordination polymers due to challenges in their synthesis and characterization. The unparalleled coordination chemistry of actinide elements confers a huge opportunity to explore the rational design, chemical reactivity, and versatile properties of An-MOFs as one of the most intriguing class of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Significant advances in this “juvenile” MOF research field have been witnessed in recent years and progress in the An-MOFs area since 2003 has been reviewed from the aspects of the synthesis, structure, and applications. The preparative handling and synthetic strategies implemented in constructing An-MOFs are illustrated. Their structure motifs are then classified and expounded by actinide building blocks and organic linkers. The modularity, topology, and porosity of An-MOFs are specified to highlight a great potential to tune their electronic structures and ensuing properties. Ultimately, applications of An-MOFs as selective adsorbents, heterogenous catalysts, luminescent sensors, conducting, and semiconducting materials, and nuclear targets are underlined. This updated review is envisaged to guide in-depth investigation of largely elusive transuranium MOFs and the development of thorium or uranium-based MOFs towards practical applications.