Mechanochemistry: an efficient and versatile toolbox for synthesis, transformation, and functionalization of porous metal–organic frameworks

Abstract

Mechanochemistry is nowadays recognized as a green approach to chemical synthesis, but the full scope of the accompanying solid-state reactivity is just beginning to be unravelled. This is especially true for the preparation of porous metal–organic frameworks, whose synthesis by the use of mechanical force lagged behind that of other relevant classes of materials. Nevertheless, mechanochemical procedures have rapidly evolved from a mere synthetic curiosity towards efficient methods for obtaining high-quality MOFs on different scales. This Highlight is dedicated to the functional approach of using mechanochemistry for the preparation of catalytically active MOF composites and mixed-metal and mixed-ligand MOFs with synergistic properties as well as fine-tuning of the MOF performance via defect engineering and amorphization.