Inter-MOF hybrid (IMOFH): A concise analysis on emerging core–shell based hierarchical and multifunctional nanoporous materials

Abstract

Abstract Architecting a selective as well as high yielding catalyst has always been a challenge. Porous coordination polymers (PCPs) or popularly perceived as metal organic frameworks (MOF) are well endowed with tunable porosity, high specific surface area and easy functionalization as they are being constructed with plethora of possibilities; varying linker geometry, connectivity and functional groups along with inorganic secondary building unit (SBUs) having diverse topologies; making MOFs an extremely versatile inorganic–organic hybrid complexes for various emerging applications. Yet conventional MOF based materials are deficit in obtaining desired functionality and selectivity in a single crystal entity, hence to circumvent this setback, Inter-MOF Hybrid (IMOFH) compounds are explored for introducing advanced functionality in a single MOF crystal and this review intends to highlight the recent advances on IMOFH core–shell type architectures as an emerging class of hierarchical and multi-functional hybrid. In addition to it this review epitomizes a holistic exploration of rational design involving lattice choices, synthetic routes including forefront applications like; heterogeneous catalysis, adsorption and photocatalysis by IMOFH core–shell materials.