Geomimetic approaches in the design and synthesis of metal-organic frameworks

The recent discovery of minerals with metal-organic framework (MOF) structures has challenged the view of MOFs as purely synthetic materials. At the same time, the application of geo-inspired synthetic methodologies, such as accelerated ageing and pseudomorphic replication, has enabled a cleaner, more environmentally friendly synthesis of MOFs from mineral-like feedstocks, as well as the assembly of materials with structure controlled at both micro-and meso-scales. These almost concomitant developments have highlighted the previously unknown relationships between geology and MOF chemistry. Here, we outline examples of MOF structures found in minerals, and note geologically inspired approaches to MOF synthesis, as a means to highlight how the emergent geomimetic concepts in MOF chemistry can lead to advances in the design and synthesis of MOFs. This article is part of the theme issue ` Mineralomimesis: natural and synthetic frameworks in science and technology'.