Emerging frontiers in chiral metal−organic framework membranes: diverse synthesis techniques and applications

Abstract

Chirality is an interesting type of isomerism in nature, while chiral materials, in multiple forms, usually show unique physical phenomenon, such as chiral luminescence, and distinctive chemical properties. Metal−organic framework (MOF) membranes have high porosity and abundant active sites, thus are perfect alternative for functionalization. With involvement of chiral unit, chiral MOF membranes show excellent applications for chiral sensing, separation and luminescence. In this review, we first introduce the up-to-date preparation methods of chiral MOF membranes, including direct and indirect methods, and then discuss their applications in enantiomers recognition, chiral separation, and circular polarization luminescence. Finally, we conclude the challenges in chiral MOF membranes and provide a perspective of future development.