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Rethinking liquid hydrogen storage with metal-organic frameworks

Researchers from UNIST, Ewha Womans University, TUM, and ILL report a significant increase in liquid hydrogen storage time using metal-organic frameworks. The study found that IRMOF-20 can retain about 97% of liquid hydrogen's theoretical volumetric capacity for over 221 days, more than three times as long as neat liquid hydrogen.

SourceInstitut Laue-Langevin·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2026

Engineering defects in metal-organic frameworks boosts conversion of biomass sugars into lactic acid

Researchers have developed a defect-engineered metal-organic framework catalyst that converts glucose into lactic acid with substantially improved efficiency. The catalyst showed activity toward raw biomass feedstocks, producing a 62.8% lactic acid yield at 170°C after four hours when corn cobs were used directly as a biomass feedstock.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalSustainable Carbon Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2026

Dual-metal fluorescent probe enables ultrasensitive, color-changing uranium detection with a smartphone

Researchers have developed a fluorescent sensing platform that can detect uranyl ions at very low concentrations while producing a color change that can be analyzed with a smartphone. The probe achieves ratiometric detection with built-in self-calibration, providing accurate quantification of uranium contamination in water.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalSustainable Carbon Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2026

Graz University of Technology unravels mystery of the structure of MOF thin films

A team at Graz University of Technology has solved the puzzle of MOF thin film structure using advanced diffraction techniques and computational modeling. They found that prototypical Cu(bdc) thin films are not porous as expected, but instead densely packed with additional hydroxide groups.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 2, 2026

Solar-driven ammonia production

Scientists at TU Wien have designed a new sustainable route to ammonia synthesis using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as catalysts. By tuning the MOF structures, they can modulate their catalytic performance, providing valuable insights into more efficient and sustainable ammonia-production technologies.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2026

Turning algae waste into powerful filters: New biochar membranes clean wastewater more efficiently

Researchers created a novel material by converting microalgae biomass into biochar and modifying it with amine functional groups, producing hybrid filters with enhanced purification performance. The new membranes achieved better pollutant rejection and improved resistance to fouling.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 1, 2026

Unlocking MOF-based nanoparticle impellers through dimensional engineering to achieve optically controlled cargo delivery

Researchers created a two-dimensional MOF-based nano-impeller that achieved efficient photoisomerization and on-demand cargo delivery. The study found that mechanical activation and dimensionality synergistically regulate the photo-switching dynamics, enabling 99% cargo release within 50 minutes.

SourceChinese Chemical Society·JournalCCS Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2026

New tool harnesses AI to navigate expanding world of metal–organic frameworks

A new open-access tool, MOF-ChemUnity, offers a systematic way to organize and synthesize knowledge about metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), enabling the discovery of their potential uses in drug delivery, catalysis, carbon capture, and more. The system creates a unified foundation that both researchers and AI systems can build on, reduc...

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 15, 2025

Breakthrough: MOF membrane-integrated electrolyzer turns air and flue gas CO2 into pure formic acid, paving way for carbon neutrality

A Chinese research team developed an innovative device that skips CO₂ purification, cuts costs, and produces commercial-grade HCOOH directly from dilute emissions. The membrane-integrated electrolyzer concentrates CO2 to high levels for efficient conversion, producing a valuable liquid fuel and industrial chemical.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateNov 7, 2025

Mixing electrochromism at molecular level

Researchers develop new electrochromic MOF platform by mixing two materials at the molecular level, allowing multidirectional control of color change. This innovation enables future smart electronics with quick, reversible and energy-efficient color responses.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2025

The rise of "soft" crystal sponges: a new frontier in smart materials toward applications

Researchers have made significant advancements in soft porous crystals (SPCs) with promising applications in gas storage, separation, catalysis, and devices. The 'dose sensitivity' of SPCs directly affects their economic viability, with high performance and batch consistency crucial for trace or low-dose applications.

SourceIndustrial Chemistry & Materials·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 4, 2025

Rapid weaving of molecular sieve “meshes”

Researchers developed a triggered air-water interfacial coordination assembly method to synthesize ultrathin large-sized continuous 2D MOF membranes within just 30 minutes. The method enables highly accurate permeable and stable H2/CO2 separation, revolutionizing industrial separation processes.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2025

Researchers develop triggered interfacial synthesis strategy for rapid customization of ultrathin 2D metal-organic framework membranes

A new strategy enables the rapid fabrication of high-performance 2D MOF membranes with customizable pores, achieving efficient gas separation. The approach accelerates membrane development time from hours to minutes while reducing organic ligand consumption.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNational Science Review·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 10, 2025

Breakthrough in 2.5D MOF materials based on triptycene derivatives

Researchers developed a new class of 2.5D MOFs using triptycene-based molecules, enabling high-quality single crystals for detailed structural and functional studies. The materials exhibit strong electronic and magnetic correlations in the interlayer direction, paving the way for next-generation MOF-based technologies.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2025

A Journal of Environmental Sciences study reveals that metal-organic frameworks may be toxic

A study reveals that metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can be toxic to mice, causing disruptions in blood cell formation and immune balance. The researchers found that the MOFs suppressed production of certain cells but also triggered a rebound effect, leading to increased inflammation.

SourceEditorial Office of Journal of Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Environmental Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2025

Structure of the natural red pigment carmine revealed

Advanced electron crystallography techniques have revealed the unexpected structure of carmine, a natural red colouring agent. The substance has a well-defined, three-dimensional porous structure composed of two calcium ions, two aluminium ions, and four organic ligand molecules.

SourceStockholm University·JournalCrystal Growth & Design·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2025

Graz University of Technology team decodes heat conduction of complex materials

Researchers at Graz University of Technology developed a new understanding of how complex materials like organic semiconductors and MOFs transport thermal energy. They discovered that phonon tunneling plays a crucial role in heat conduction, enabling targeted design of materials with specific thermal properties.

SourceGraz University of Technology·Journalnpj Computational Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 20, 2025

Designing homochiral metal–organic frameworks with ultrahigh surface areas and stability for practical applications

A novel mixed-ligand strategy creates ultrahigh surface area, chemically stable chiral MOFs ideal for practical applications in asymmetric catalysis. The frameworks demonstrate record-breaking surface areas and exceptional structural features, making them suitable as heterogeneous catalysts.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2025

Wear-resistant metal-organic framework membrane developed with bioinspired scale-like structure for efficient separation of propylene and propane

Researchers developed a bioinspired MOF membrane with a scale-like structure to separate propylene from propane. The membrane achieved excellent separation performance, exceeding 220, and retained its stability for over 1,000 hours.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 15, 2025

New filter removes chemical contaminants from water even at very low concentrations

A team of researchers has developed a new membrane material that can detect and remove pharmaceutical chemicals from water at trace levels. The new approach uses a polymer membrane with an interconnected network of pores, which are designed to capture larger molecules, allowing for more effective filtration.

Drawing water from dry air

Researchers at the University of Utah have developed a compact rapid cycling fuel-fired atmospheric water harvesting device that can produce clean drinking water in arid places. The device uses hygroscopic materials to draw water molecules out of non-humid air and then applies heat to release those molecules into liquid form.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2024