Mechanochemistry for Metal–Organic Frameworks and Covalent–Organic Frameworks (MOFs, COFs): Methods, Materials, and Mechanisms

The mechanochemistry of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is a well-established field whose development has advanced the understanding and the design of both MOF materials and mechanochemical reactions. This review outlines the close and mutually beneficial interplay of these two fields over the past two decades, including the description of mechanochemical strategies to access MOFs as well as the response of these materials to mechanical treatment and/or stress. Furthermore, we highlight how the use of MOFs as model targets for mechanochemical synthesis simultaneously improves the accessibility and understanding of this class of materials and, conversely, advances the experimental and fundamental understanding of mechanochemical reactions. Similarly, we show the reciprocal benefits of comparing the mechanochemistry of organic molecular solids to that of MOFs. Finally, this review also portrays the rapid emergence of mechanochemistry of covalent-organic frameworks, a young area that promises to deliver new, rapid, efficient, solventless, and room-temperature access to these materials.