Metal-Organic Frameworks

Definition

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of materials composed of metal ions or clusters coordinated to organic ligands, forming a porous structure. These materials are known for their high surface area, tunable pore sizes, and versatility in chemical functionality, making them valuable in various applications, particularly in bioinorganic chemistry and medicinal uses.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. MOFs can be designed to have specific properties by altering the metal centers and organic ligands used in their synthesis, allowing for customization in their applications.
2. The large surface area of MOFs, which can exceed 7,000 m²/g, makes them excellent candidates for gas storage and separation technologies.
3. Some metal-organic frameworks have shown potential as drug delivery systems, where they can encapsulate therapeutic agents and release them in a controlled manner.
4. MOFs have been investigated for use in sensing applications due to their ability to selectively interact with various analytes.
5. Research is ongoing to develop biocompatible MOFs that can be safely used in medical applications, including imaging and targeted therapy.

Review Questions

• How do the structural characteristics of metal-organic frameworks contribute to their application in gas storage?
  • The unique structural characteristics of metal-organic frameworks, such as their high porosity and large surface area, allow them to effectively adsorb gases. The tunable pore sizes enable selective capture of specific gas molecules, enhancing the efficiency of gas storage systems. By adjusting the composition of the metal ions and organic ligands, researchers can optimize these frameworks for different types of gases, making them ideal for applications like carbon capture or hydrogen storage.
• Discuss how metal-organic frameworks can play a role in drug delivery systems and the advantages they offer over traditional methods.
  • Metal-organic frameworks can enhance drug delivery systems through their high surface area and ability to encapsulate therapeutic agents within their porous structures. This allows for controlled release profiles, which can improve the effectiveness of treatments by targeting specific tissues or cells. Additionally, MOFs can be engineered to respond to external stimuli such as pH or temperature changes, offering further customization that traditional drug delivery methods often lack.
• Evaluate the potential environmental and health impacts of using metal-organic frameworks in biomedical applications.
  • The potential environmental and health impacts of using metal-organic frameworks in biomedical applications need careful evaluation due to concerns over biocompatibility and toxicity. While some MOFs show promise for drug delivery or imaging, the metals used in their structure could pose risks if not adequately assessed. Research is essential to determine safe formulations and to develop biodegradable alternatives that minimize long-term environmental effects while maximizing therapeutic benefits.

Related terms

Porosity: The measure of void spaces in a material, which is crucial for the storage and separation capabilities of metal-organic frameworks.

Sorption: The process by which one substance becomes attached to another, an important property of MOFs for applications such as gas storage and drug delivery.

Catalysis: The acceleration of a chemical reaction by a catalyst; MOFs can act as catalysts or support catalysts due to their unique structural properties.