Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) in Catalysis: A Comprehensive Review

Rana Zubair Anwar

Department of Chemistry, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Submitted: 12-02-2026; Accepted: 20-05-2026; Published: 01-07-2026

Abstract

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as a promising category of crystalline porous materials with great potential in catalysis because of their high surface area, tunable pore structure and well-defined active sites. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the role of MOFs as catalysts depending on the type of active site, including coordinatively unsaturated metal nodes, functionalized organic bridges, and encapsulated guest species. Pristine MOFs acting as Lewis acid, Bronsted acid, and basic catalysts are addressed together along with advanced functionalization strategies, including post-synthetic functionalization, immobilization of metal complex, and the introduction of metal nanoparticles and polyoxometalates that greatly broaden the scope and efficacy of MOF-based systems. Special focus is placed on MOFs that can bridge the benefits of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis by combining high activity and selectivity as well as recyclability. Moreover, the multifunctional nature of MOFs allows them to be used in other areas beyond catalysis, such as efficient adsorbents to eliminate heavy metal ions and organic dyes from wastewater. Lastly, the current challenges including stability, scalability and practical implementation are critically addressed and future opportunities regarding the rational design of MOF-based catalysts for sustainable chemical processes are described.

Keywords: Metal-organic framework, Catalysis, Membranes, Adsorption, Wastewater treatment

Review article         *Corresponding Author, e-mail: zubairanwar2045@gmail.com; https://doi.org/10.71111/4-26-4-4-st-4