Lanthanide-Based Metal-Organic-Frameworks for Proton Conduction and Magnetic Properties

Abstract

The coexistence of proton conductivity and magnetic properties in metal organic frameworks (MOFs) is simply an attractive prospect to design and create multifunctional molecular materials. However, the simultaneity of interesting magnetic properties (e.g. magnetocaloric effect, slow magnetic relaxation or magnetic ordering) and proton conduction in a MOF is very implausible to be observed, as chemical and structural necessities are absolutely poles apart for either of the properties. In this context, lanthanide-based metal-organic frameworks (LMOFs) have emerged as an intriguing class of materials to observe such coexistence in few cases. In this perspective, the advantages of combining lanthanide ions and organic acids as ligands to construct a proton-conductive magnetic metal organic framework are briefly discussed. The current status of this specific research area regarding some fascinating LMOFs exhibiting proton conductivity and magnetic properties is reviewed in detail. Also, a future perspective of such materials is discussed.