Mixed Linker Strategies for Organic Framework Functionalization

Framework materials have attracted intense interest for gas storage, separations, catalysis, and other applications as a consequence of their periodicity, high specific surface area, and rational synthesis. Cocrystallizing multiple monomers with identical linking chemistry represents an emerging route to access materials with increased complexity and advanced functions. This Concept Article highlights three strategies for framework synthesis that employ mixtures of monomers with 1) identical linking geometries, 2) different linking geometries, or 3) in which one monomer is truncated with respect to the other. These approaches offer a diverse toolbox to modify framework topology, incorporate active functionality, and rationally control crystallite size and morphology.