Principles of Design and Synthesis of Metal Derivatives from MOFs

Materials derived from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have demonstrated exceptional structural variety and complexity and can be synthesized using low-cost scalable methods. Although the inherent instability and low electrical conductivity of MOFs are largely responsible for their low uptake for catalysis and energy storage, a superior alternative is MOF-derived metal-based derivatives (MDs) as these can retain the complex nanostructures of MOFs while exhibiting stability and electrical conductivities of several orders of magnitude higher. The present work comprehensively reviews MDs in terms of synthesis and their nanostructural design, including oxides, sulfides, phosphides, nitrides, carbides, transition metals, and other minor species. The focal point of the approach is the identification and rationalization of the design parameters that lead to the generation of optimal compositions, structures, nanostructures, and resultant performance parameters. The aim of this approach is to provide an inclusive platform for the strategies to design and process these materials for specific applications. This work is complemented by detailed figures that both summarize the design and processing approaches that have been reported and indicate potential trajectories for development. The work is also supported by comprehensive and up-to-date tabular coverage of the reported studies.

Automated summary

Materials derived from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have shown exceptional structural variety and complexity and can be synthesized using low-cost scalable methods. However, their inherent instability and low electrical conductivity limit their applications. MOF-derived metal-based derivatives (MDs) provide a superior alternative with higher stability and electrical conductivity, while retaining the complex nanostructures of MOFs. This work comprehensively reviews the synthesis and nanostructural design of MDs, aiming to identify the parameters for optimal compositions, structures, nanostructures, and performance, and provide a platform for designing and processing these materials for specific applications. The study is supported by figures summarizing reported approaches and a comprehensive tabular coverage of the studies.