Metals@MOFs - Loading MOFs with Metal Nanoparticles for Hybrid Functions

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as well as porous coordination polymers (PCPs) are porous, organic-inorganic hybrid solids with zeolite-like structures and properties. Due to their extraordinarily high surface area and well defined pore structure MOFs can be used for the stabilization of metal nanoparticles with adjustable size. The embedded metal nanoparticles are still accessible for other reagents due to the high porosity of the MOF systems. This fact makes "metal@ MOF" systems especially interesting for heterogeneous catalysis, gas storage and chemical sensing. This review compiles the cases of metal nanoparticles supported by or embedded into MOFs reported so far and the main aspects and problems associated with these novel nanocomposite systems. The determination of the dispersion and the location of the particles at the MOF support, the control of the loading degree and its effect on the catalytic activity of the system are discussed as well as the partial degradation of the MOF structure upon particle formation. Examples of the introduction of stabilizing groups into the MOF network that direct the loading and can influence the size and shape of the embedded particles are still rare and point into the possible direction of future investigations. Finally, the formation of bimetallic nanoparticles, which are stabilized and supported by a MOF network, will also be reviewed.