When hollow multishelled structures (HoMSs) meet metal–organic frameworks (MOFs)
Zumin Wang, Nailiang Yang, Dan Wang
Abstract
Based on the understanding in this field, we recently revealed the unique temporal-spatial ordering properties of HoMSs. Furthermore, we have been wondering if the structure of a HoMS can be modulated at the molecular level. Encouragingly, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are star materials with clearly defined molecular structures. The compositions, geometries, functionalities and topologies of MOFs have been well tuned by rational design. Integrating the unique properties of MOFs and HoMS could realize the systemic design of materials from the molecular to the micro-level, which would provide a series of advantages for various applications, such as developing high performance catalysts for cascade and/or selective catalysis, combining the reaction and separation process for multiple reactions, releasing drugs in a certain environment for smart medicine, and so on. We believe it is time to summarize the recent progress in the integration of MOFs and HoMSs, including HoMSs coated with MOFs, MOF-derived HoMSs, and MOFs with a hollow multishelled structure, and we also put forward our personal outlook in relation to the future opportunities and challenges in this emerging yet promising research field.