Photochemistry of Metal-Organic Frameworks

Abstract

Metal-organic Frameworks (MOFs) are hybrid materials constructed from inorganic and organic components, which can be combined in a rational, modular fashion to generate repeating framework structures. MOFs have several key features which set them apart from other classes of photoactive compounds. As multicomponent materials, MOFs display photophysical properties that arise from both the metal and organic components acting both independently and in concert. These components are held in fixed, well-defined mutual orientations, which allows clear structure-property relationships to be elucidated. Their photophysical properties can be modified in a systematic way by rational modifications of the individual components. Further, MOFs are defined by their porosity, which allows their photochemical activity to be combined with the uptake of guest molecules. This chapter will be divided into three parts. Firstly, a summary of MOF chemistry will be presented, including a brief overview of key concepts in MOF chemistry and photochemistry. Secondly, we shall cover some key categories of photoactive MOFs, with a focus on the synthetic concerns. Finally, we shall describe some of the useful applications of photoactive MOFs.