Mechanoresponsive Porosity in Metal-Organic Frameworks

Flexible metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) constitute a very promising class of materials because of the wide application prospects derived from their dynamic behaviors. Since their discovery, most of these crystalline porous solids have demonstrated the capacity to adapt their structures in response to guest molecule accommodation; however, researchers are moving beyond this typical host-guest process using more widely applicable and controllable physical stimuli such as mechanical stress, which provides a simple but powerful tool for fine-tuning flexible MOF structures and their porous properties in a controlled manner. This opinion summarizes the progress in the development of mechanoresponsive MOFs, and presents novel opportunities and future challenges associated with the combination of mechanical forces with flexible MOF systems.

Automated summary

Flexible metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are highly promising materials due to their dynamic behaviors and adjustable structures. Researchers are now exploring the use of mechanical stress and other physical stimuli to control the properties of flexible MOFs beyond guest molecule accommodation.