Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) as Functional Supramolecular Architectures for Anion Recognition and Sensing

Abstract

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have experienced a tremendous growth during last few decades as porous crystalline molecular materials. The comprehensive effect of structural diversity, tunability and high surface area makes MOFs suitable for multifarious applications. MOFs can act as potential receptors toward different target components along with ionic species, small molecules, solvents, explosives etc. Anion recognition remains an important phenomena due to its involvement in many chemical and biological processes. Ligand designing, incorporation of appropriate functional groups and post-synthetic modifications are key strategies in MOFs for selective recognition and scavenging of environmentally toxic and detrimental anions (i. e. cyanide, oxo-anions etc.). The main focus of this personal account is on our research towards development and potential applications of MOFs with special emphasis on selective and sensitive anion sensing.