Researchers at the Institute of Molecular Science (ICMol) of the University of Valencia have developed a new strategy to design metal–organic molecular materials (MOFs) in a cleaner, more precise, and more efficient way. The work, published in the journal Advanced Materials, presents an innovative method to introduce controlled defects into crystalline MOFs without the need for solvents or complex chemical processes.
Defects, far from being undesirable imperfections, can be a powerful tool for modifying and improving a material’s properties. In fields such as catalysis, energy storage, or gas separation, introducing “vacancies” or atomic-scale voids makes it possible to create materials that are more reactive, selective, or functional. The key challenge lies in controlling these defects precisely and reproducibly.
The study focuses on so-called metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), a family of porous materials formed by metal ions linked together by organic molecules. Thanks to their highly ordered and tunable structure, MOFs are ideal candidates for applications in sustainable chemistry, sensing, and catalysis.
Traditionally, defects in these materials are introduced in solution, taking advantage of the fact that the bonds between components can break and reform. However, this approach has several limitations: defects can “self-heal,” they appear in an uncontrolled manner, and their generation requires the use of solvents and/or additional chemical agents.
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