Aluminium-based MIL-100(Al) and MIL-101(Al) metal–organic frameworks, derivative materials and composites: synthesis, structure, properties and applications

Abstract

MIL-100(Al) and MIL-101(Al) are two related and particularly interesting mesoporous aluminium-based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) that are able to adsorb and encapsulate a large panel of molecules and catalyse a wide range of reactions. Furthermore, they can be functionalized in many ways, or transformed into oxide or carbonaceous materials with interesting properties. In this review, we first cover various synthetic methods used for selectively obtaining these MOFs in a pristine state, including formation mechanisms and thermodynamic considerations. Then, the main applications of these materials, including catalysis, gas storage and adsorption of various chemical species, are addressed. Post-functionalization and encapsulation strategies to obtain MOF materials with improved properties are also discussed, as well as the advantages of such hybrid materials over the pristine MOFs. Furthermore, we describe synthetic methods for obtaining (doped) aluminium oxides and carbon materials from MIL-100(Al) and MIL-101(Al), together with their applications. By summarizing the main findings concerning those two particular MOFs and their derivatives, together with some pitfalls to avoid when characterizing them, we highlight unaddressed challenges and provide directions for future research.