Bipyridine-functionalized zirconium metal–organic frameworks

What is it about?

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of crystalline and porous materials with modular structural features. This modularity has allowed MOFs to be designed and synthesized with adjustable pore sizes and shapes leading to ultrahigh porosity. In particular, bipyridine (BPY) functionalized Zr-MOFs have been received recognition for their interesting intrinsic properties, which arise from various post-modification pathways. The fact that post-modification is readily available for such MOFs paves the way towards anchoring specific components (functional groups, metals complexes, and nanoparticles) via the bipyridine docking centers, thus endowing this MOF platform with the capability to chemically alter and enhance the bulk material’s properties.

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Why is it important?

Among the tens of thousands of known MOF structures, zirconium-based MOFs (Zr-MOFs) have attracted attention not only for their structural properties but also their superior chemical and thermal stabilities, which are critical for practical applications. We reviewed the preparation of BPY-functionalized Zr-MOFs, their characterization, and subsequent applications, such as electrocatalytic or photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reactions, heterogeneous molecular catalysis, and gas storage for renewable energy.

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