Themed collection Metal-Organic Frameworks: Celebrating the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry

39 items
Highlight

Hierarchical MOFs and derivatives toward advanced electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage

This review dissects structural engineering strategies for hierarchical MOFs/derivatives, evaluating their electrochemical energy storage performance as advanced electrodes, and critically assesses future design opportunities and challenges.

Graphical abstract: Hierarchical MOFs and derivatives toward advanced electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage
Highlight

Thiazolothiazole based functional metal–organic frameworks

Thiazolothiazole-based MOFs offer a versatile platform for multifunctionality. This highlight reviews ligand design, synthesis methods, applications, challenges, and future trends.

Graphical abstract: Thiazolothiazole based functional metal–organic frameworks
Highlight

Immunoadjuvant-functionalized metal–organic frameworks: synthesis and applications in tumor immune modulation

This review explores the synthesis, drug loading, and surface modifications of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), highlighting their role in improving cancer immunotherapy and paving the way for safer and more effective treatments.

Graphical abstract: Immunoadjuvant-functionalized metal–organic frameworks: synthesis and applications in tumor immune modulation
Perspective

Design and transformation of ACQphores into AIEgens: toward MOF-based advanced sensing applications

This detailed review highlights the synergy between AIE and MOF chemistry, thereby exploring multifunctional AIE-MOF platforms for advanced sensing and imaging applications.

Graphical abstract: Design and transformation of ACQphores into AIEgens: toward MOF-based advanced sensing applications
Open Access Perspective

ZIF-8 metal–organic frameworks and their hybrid materials: emerging photocatalysts for energy and environmental applications

ZIF-8 MOFs and their hybrid materials: overview, synthesis methods and photocatalytic applications.

Graphical abstract: ZIF-8 metal–organic frameworks and their hybrid materials: emerging photocatalysts for energy and environmental applications
Frontier

Recent advances and challenges of metal–organic frameworks for CO2 capture

Review of physisorption (van der Waals, molecular sieving) and chemisorption (functional groups, metal sites) mechanisms enhancing CO2 capture, highlighting recent advancements.

Graphical abstract: Recent advances and challenges of metal–organic frameworks for CO2 capture
Open Access Minireview

Soft porous crystals: flexible MOFs as a new class of adaptive materials

Clarifying the dose sensitivity of soft porous crystals (SPCs), particularly soft/flexible metal–organic framework (MOFs), is vital for optimizing precision-driven and large-scale applications across multiple advanced technologies.

Graphical abstract: Soft porous crystals: flexible MOFs as a new class of adaptive materials
Feature Article

Recent innovations in in situ strategies to prepare metal–organic framework-based mixed matrix membranes

In situ strategies to construct MOF-based MMMs are reviewed in the present study.

Graphical abstract: Recent innovations in in situ strategies to prepare metal–organic framework-based mixed matrix membranes
Open Access Review Article

Recent advances in lanthanide-based metal–organic frameworks for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution applications

A comprehensive review of techniques and emerging trends in lanthanide-based MOFs for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution via water splitting.

Graphical abstract: Recent advances in lanthanide-based metal–organic frameworks for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution applications
Open Access Review Article

Latest developments in the synthesis of metal–organic frameworks and their hybrids for hydrogen storage

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising materials for hydrogen (H2) storage due to their versatile structures, high surface areas and substantial pore volumes.

Graphical abstract: Latest developments in the synthesis of metal–organic frameworks and their hybrids for hydrogen storage
Open Access Review Article

Development of the design and synthesis of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) – from large scale attempts, functional oriented modifications, to artificial intelligence (AI) predictions

The design and synthesis of MOFs have evolved from traditional large-scale approaches to function-oriented modifications, and recently to AI predictions, which save time, reduce costs, and enhance the efficiency to achieving target functions.

Graphical abstract: Development of the design and synthesis of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) – from large scale attempts, functional oriented modifications, to artificial intelligence (AI) predictions
Open Access Review Article

Lithium extraction by metal–organic frameworks

Lithium extraction attracts great attention due to the rising demand for batteries, but faces challenges related to low natural abundance and environmental concerns. MOFs show promise in lithium extraction, benefitting from customizable structures.

Graphical abstract: Lithium extraction by metal–organic frameworks
Open Access Review Article

Advanced metal–organic frameworks for superior carbon capture, high-performance energy storage and environmental photocatalysis – a critical review

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as a transformative class of materials, offering unprecedented versatility in applications ranging from energy storage to environmental remediation and photocatalysis.

Graphical abstract: Advanced metal–organic frameworks for superior carbon capture, high-performance energy storage and environmental photocatalysis – a critical review
Review Article

Porphyrin-based metal–organic frameworks for photo(electro)catalytic CO2 reduction

The panorama of the latest developments of the emerging porphyrin-based MOFs for photo(electro)catalytic CO2 reduction is shown.

Graphical abstract: Porphyrin-based metal–organic frameworks for photo(electro)catalytic CO2 reduction
Open Access Review Article

Water-stable metal–organic frameworks (MOFs): rational construction and carbon dioxide capture

This review highlights the design and synthesis of water-stable MOFs, as well as their applications in carbon capture.

Graphical abstract: Water-stable metal–organic frameworks (MOFs): rational construction and carbon dioxide capture
Open Access Review Article

Advances in metal–organic frameworks for water remediation applications

Metal–organic frameworks have advanced adsorption, photocatalysis and sensing of water contaminants.

Graphical abstract: Advances in metal–organic frameworks for water remediation applications
Open Access Review Article

First transition series metal–organic frameworks: synthesis, properties and applications

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have captured immense attention in the last decade, owing to their better adsorption properties as compared to those of organic as well as inorganic materials, like enormous surface area, highly porous nature, tunable pore size, and high stability.

Graphical abstract: First transition series metal–organic frameworks: synthesis, properties and applications
Open Access Tutorial Review

Fluorescence spectroscopy: detection and sensing of SO2 and H2S using MOFs and other emerging porous materials

MOFs and other advanced emerging porous materials (i.e., COFs, POCs) have demonstrated tuneable structural and photoluminescent features, which can be helpful to monitor highly toxic SO2 and H2S pollutants using fluorescence spectroscopy techniques.

Graphical abstract: Fluorescence spectroscopy: detection and sensing of SO2 and H2S using MOFs and other emerging porous materials
Open Access Tutorial Review

Evaluating the path to sustainability: SWOT analysis of safe and sustainable by design approaches for metal–organic frameworks

SWOT analysis of MOFs through the lens of safe and sustainable by design (SSbD) framework, highlighting their potential, challenges, and future directions (Prepared using Biorender Software).

Graphical abstract: Evaluating the path to sustainability: SWOT analysis of safe and sustainable by design approaches for metal–organic frameworks
Open Access Critical Review

Lanthanide-based metal–organic frameworks (Ln-MOFs): synthesis, properties and applications

Micro- and meso-porous lanthanide-based on metal–organic frameworks (Ln-MOFs) have been gaining significant attention for the last three decades as they offer diverse applications in a large number of areas.

Graphical abstract: Lanthanide-based metal–organic frameworks (Ln-MOFs): synthesis, properties and applications
Critical Review

Design and application of dual-emission metal–organic framework-based ratiometric fluorescence sensors

This review introduces the recent advances in dual-emission MOF-based ratiometric fluorescence sensors for various targets such as pH, temperature, ions, biomarkers, etc., over the last 5 years.

Graphical abstract: Design and application of dual-emission metal–organic framework-based ratiometric fluorescence sensors
Open Access Communication

Incarcerating bismuth nanoparticles into a thiol-laced metal–organic framework for electro and photocatalysis

A hard and soft acid and base theory guided “ship-in-a-bottle” strategy to incorporate bismuth nanoparticles inside a thiol-rich MOF unlocking dual catalytic activities.

Graphical abstract: Incarcerating bismuth nanoparticles into a thiol-laced metal–organic framework for electro and photocatalysis
Open Access Edge Article

Dynamic breathing behaviour of the titanium-based metal–organic framework NTU-9 upon adsorption of water and organic solvents

Synthesis optimisation and a reproducibility study of the titanium-based MOF NTU-9 with a detailed (in situ) characterisation lead to the discovery of its flexibility upon external stimuli (e.g., vacuum) and the new distorted form NTU-9-d.

Graphical abstract: Dynamic breathing behaviour of the titanium-based metal–organic framework NTU-9 upon adsorption of water and organic solvents
Open Access Edge Article

Thermodynamics of alkali metal ion uptake from aqueous solution in MOF-808

Molecular mechanisms governing alkali metal ion uptake from aqueous solution in MOF-808 are studied via free-energy calculations and enhanced sampling simulations, revealing the subtle interplay between hydration structure and confinement effects.

Graphical abstract: Thermodynamics of alkali metal ion uptake from aqueous solution in MOF-808
Open Access Edge Article

Thorium metal–organic framework crystallization for efficient recovery from rare earth element mixtures

Selective crystallization of a novel thorium metal–organic framework (NU-2500) enables the efficient separation of Th(IV) from initial mixtures with rare earth(III) ions.

Graphical abstract: Thorium metal–organic framework crystallization for efficient recovery from rare earth element mixtures
Open Access Edge Article

Increased CO2/N2 selectivity by stepwise fluorination in isoreticular ultramicroporous metal–organic frameworks

A series of isoreticular ultramicroporous fluorinated MOFs were synthesized. Both experimental and simulation studies showed that increasing the fluorine content leads to a marked increase in CO2/N2 selectivity owing to the CF⋯C(CO2) interactions.

Graphical abstract: Increased CO2/N2 selectivity by stepwise fluorination in isoreticular ultramicroporous metal–organic frameworks
Open Access Paper

Comparison of LLMs in extracting synthesis conditions and generating Q&A datasets for metal–organic frameworks

Spoiler alert: Claude and Gemini did better than GPT-4 in extracting information from chemistry literature.

Graphical abstract: Comparison of LLMs in extracting synthesis conditions and generating Q&A datasets for metal–organic frameworks
Open Access Paper

Computational investigation of the impact of metal–organic framework topology on hydrogen storage capacity

A topologically diverse MOF dataset, NU-topoMOF-2025, was constructed and screened to identify topology-based design rules for materials with enhanced hydrogen storage performance.

Graphical abstract: Computational investigation of the impact of metal–organic framework topology on hydrogen storage capacity
Open Access Paper

Electron-correlation driven structural instability and adsorption mechanism in the metal–organic framework NU2100

Electron-correlation driven structural instability reveals mechanism of remarkable adsorption and seperation profiles observed experimentally.

Graphical abstract: Electron-correlation driven structural instability and adsorption mechanism in the metal–organic framework NU2100
Paper

Collapse or capture? Guest-induced response of two structurally distinct pillared-MOFs upon exposure to pyridines and quinolines

Two differently entangled pillared MOFs have been evaluated for their host capacity towards pyridines and quinolines, showing markedly different inclusion propensity and stability.

Graphical abstract: Collapse or capture? Guest-induced response of two structurally distinct pillared-MOFs upon exposure to pyridines and quinolines
Open Access Paper

Controlling metal–organic framework crystallization via computer vision and robotic handling

A closed-loop robotic and computer vision system was developed to control and quantify MOF crystallization outcomes.

Graphical abstract: Controlling metal–organic framework crystallization via computer vision and robotic handling
Paper

Transformation of carbon dioxide catalyzed using an N-heterocyclic carbene copper(I)-embedded metal–organic framework

A Cu(I)-NHC motif was integrated into a 3D Zn-MOF utilizing an imidazolium ligand. The resulting Cu(I)-NHC@Zn-MOF exhibited high efficiency in catalyzing the carboxylation of terminal alkynes with carbon dioxide at atmospheric pressure.

Graphical abstract: Transformation of carbon dioxide catalyzed using an N-heterocyclic carbene copper(i)-embedded metal–organic framework
Paper

Amino-functionalized cerium based MOF for sustainable CO2 fixation into cyclic carbonates

Amine-functionalized Ce(III) MOF enables efficient CO2-to-cyclic carbonate conversion via synergistic acid–base catalysis, showcasing high stability, reusability, and potential for CO2 fixation.

Graphical abstract: Amino-functionalized cerium based MOF for sustainable CO2 fixation into cyclic carbonates
Paper

A commercially scalable MOF adsorbent Cu-BTC for helium recovery from natural gas: performance and mechanism studies at room temperature and lower temperatures

Cu-BTC shows good CO2/He, CH4/He, and N2/He separation performance, with enhanced performance at lower temperatures. The adsorption capacity and selectivity of Cu-BTC for helium-containing mixed gases are dominated by its open metal sites.

Graphical abstract: A commercially scalable MOF adsorbent Cu-BTC for helium recovery from natural gas: performance and mechanism studies at room temperature and lower temperatures
Open Access Paper

Conversion of CO2 into porous metal–organic framework monoliths

We demonstrate the one-pot conversion of CO2 into amorphous formate-based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) that form grain-boundary-free monoliths with permanent porosity through hot-pressing.

Graphical abstract: Conversion of CO2 into porous metal–organic framework monoliths
Paper

Metal–organic framework MIL-101(Fe) functionalized with folic acid as a multifunctional nanocarrier for targeted chemotherapy–photodynamic therapy

A novel folic acid-conjugated, iron-based metal framework MIL-101 (Fe) MOF loaded with 1,8-acridinediones (DO8) was developed for targeted photodynamic therapy (PDT).

Graphical abstract: Metal–organic framework MIL-101(Fe) functionalized with folic acid as a multifunctional nanocarrier for targeted chemotherapy–photodynamic therapy
Paper

Topological analysis and control of post-synthetic metalation sites in Zr-based metal–organic frameworks

MOFs formed from 8-connecting nodes and 4-connecting linkers can have the flu, scu and csq topologies. Here we show design criteria for making the rare sqc topology and how topology can be used to generate distinct post-synthetic metalation sites.

Graphical abstract: Topological analysis and control of post-synthetic metalation sites in Zr-based metal–organic frameworks
Paper

Electrical conductivity and DFT investigations of a 2D CuI-TCNQII− framework

A stacked 2D Cu(I) coordination polymer displays electrical conductivity with DFT calculations revealing a band structure comprised of donor TCNQII− and acceptor 2,5-dimethylpyrazine p-orbitals.

Graphical abstract: Electrical conductivity and DFT investigations of a 2D CuI-TCNQII− framework
Research Article

Highly sensitive terbium-based metal–organic framework scintillators applied in flexible X-ray imaging

A high radioluminescence sensitivity and low detection limit terbium-based metal–organic framework scintillator was applied for high-resolution flexible X-ray imaging.

Graphical abstract: Highly sensitive terbium-based metal–organic framework scintillators applied in flexible X-ray imaging
39 items

About this collection

To celebrate the 2025 Nobel Prize recipients, we have put together a collection of articles from across our RSC journals with related research in this field. This cross-journal collection celebrates the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, highlighting the groundbreaking contributions of Susumu Kitagawa (Kyoto University, Japan), Richard Robson (University of Melbourne, Australia), and Omar M. Yaghi (University of California, Berkeley, USA) in their development of a new form of molecular architecture, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), that contain large spaces through which gases and other chemicals can flow. Their work has inspired chemists who have built tens of thousands of different MOFs with applications tackling a range of challenges from separating PFAS from water to capturing carbon dioxide.

This collection showcases recent research published across 19 RSC journals relating to metal–organic frameworks and includes studies on electrical conductivity, photocatalysis, gas capture and storage, water remediation, biomedical applications, and AI-driven synthesis, demonstrating the widespread influence of this year’s highlighted research.   

We hope this curated selection of articles not only celebrates the achievements of the 2025 laureates but also serves as a resource & inspiration for the global scientific community. 

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