Synthesis of Metal Organic Framework (MOFs)
Jharna Shahzad1, Maymoona Mahboob2,*
1Department of Chemistry, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan.
2Institute of Climate Adaptation and Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Malaysia.
Submitted: 12-01-2026; Accepted: 22-05-2026; Published: 01-07-2026
Abstract
A significant class of materials for energy storage, CO2 adsorption, alkane or alkene separation, and catalysis, the metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are porous crystalline materials of one-, two-, or three-dimensional networks made up of metal ions or clusters and multidentate organic linkers via coordination bonding. This paper provides a quick overview of the current MOF synthesis techniques in order to acquaint novices in the field of chemical engineering with the fast-growing MOF research projects. Microwave-assisted, mechanochemicals, Dry gel conversion, ionothermal, and microfluidic synthesis methods will be introduced, beginning with the traditional solvothermal or hydrothermal synthesis. Only exemplary MOF structures that may be created with common organic compounds of 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid and 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid in combination with metallic nodes of Zn2+, Cu2+, Cr3+, Al3+, Fe3+, and Zr4+ will be included. Included is the synthesis of the extensively studied zeolite imidazole framework (ZIF) framework, ZIF-8. By carefully preparing stepwise manufacturing methods, MOF crystal formation can be regulated, and MOFs can be modified in hitherto unachievable ways. Over the past century, organic chemists have created a library of potent techniques that enable the complete synthesis and intricate modification of complex compounds. Our premise is that by developing comparable multistep methods, complete synthesis may likewise be achieved for customized porous materials. This will make it possible for MOFs to be designed rationally, which is one of the main objectives of numerous researchers in the field.
Keywords: Electrochemical Synthesis, Solvothermal or Hydrothermal Synthesis Microwave, Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs), Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIFs), and Mechanochemical Synthesis
Review article *Corresponding Author, e-mail: maymoona.mahboob@gmail.com; https://doi.org/10.71111/3-26-4-4-st-3