First liquid MOF could get material discovery flowing

By Andy Extance2017-10-10T13:20:00

Atomic configuration of the ZIF melt, gained from Reverse Monte Carlo modelling of the total scattering data collected at 856 K. Free volume is represented in orange, Zn atoms in green, N in blue, and C in grey.

Source: © Springer Nature

Data and modelling show framework and porous structure are retained after melting

Researchers in the UK, France and US have moved beyond metal–organic framework (MOF) chemists’ focus on crystalline solids with evidence they’ve made the first liquid MOF.¹ Findings from Thomas Bennett at the University of Cambridge, UK, and colleagues suggest it may be possible to cast soft, fragile MOFs into desirable shapes and retain their properties.