Metal-Organic Framework-Derived Confined Nanomaterials: A Unified Platform for Catalysis, Sensing, and Energy Applications

Abstract

Metal-organic framework (MOF)-derived confined nanomaterials (MCNs) have attracted significant interest in catalysis, sensing, and energy applications owing to their well-defined porous architectures, tunable compositions, and unique confinement effects. Their spatially confined structures and tailorable local chemical environments enable efficient regulation of mass transport, charge transfer, and reaction pathways Leveraging these advantages, this review systematically outlines the design principles and synthetic strategies of MCNs, categorized into four configurations: pore, tubular, interlayer, and shell confinement. Recent advances are summarized across catalysis (photo-, electro-, and thermo-catalysis), sensing (drug detection, gas sensing, microwave absorption), and energy storage and conversion (supercapacitors, batteries, fuel cells), with emphasis on how confinement engineering enhances activity, selectivity, sensitivity, and transport behavior. Finally, key challenges and opportunities are discussed, including machine learning-assisted synthesis, multifunctional synergy, intelligent responsiveness, operando characterization, theoretical simulation, and pathways toward industrial translation. This review provides a systematic framework for designing next-generation high-performance materials.