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Molecules
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Functional Porous Frameworks: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications
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Functional Porous Frameworks: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2025 | Viewed by 1984

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Raed Abu-Reziq

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Chemistry, Casali Center of Applied Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
Interests: nanochemistry; sol-gel chemistry; organometallic chemistry; catalysis; green chemistry; micro- and nanoencapsulation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Functional porous materials, including mesoporous silica, zeolites, periodic mesoporous organosilicas (PMOs), metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs), and porous organic polymers (POPs), have garnered significant interest over the past two decades owing to their distinctive properties and versatile applications. A plethora of synthetic strategies has been developed for the purpose of tailoring the pore sizes, structures, shapes, and functionalities of these materials. With their well-defined structures and high surface areas, these materials have been extensively explored for applications such as gas storage, catalysis, drug delivery, separations, environmental remediation, sensor technology, and beyond.

This Special Issue aims to highlight the latest advancements in the synthesis, characterization, properties, and applications of functional porous frameworks.

Prof. Dr. Raed Abu-Reziq
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • metal–organic frameworks
  • covalent organic frameworks
  • mesoporous silica
  • periodic mesoporous organosilicas
  • catalysis
  • biomedical applications
  • energy storage
  • environmental remediation

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 1442 KiB  
Article
Reversible Binding of Nitric Oxide in a Cu(II)-Containing Microporous Metal-Organic Framework
by Konstantin A. Bikov, Götz Schuck and Peter A. Georgiev
Molecules 2025, 30(14), 3007; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30143007 - 17 Jul 2025
Viewed by 115
Abstract
We studied the adsorption thermodynamics and mechanism behind the binding of nitric oxide (NO) in the interior surfaces and structural fragments of the high metal center density microporous Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) CPO-27-Cu, by gas sorption, at a series of temperatures. For the purpose [...] Read more.
We studied the adsorption thermodynamics and mechanism behind the binding of nitric oxide (NO) in the interior surfaces and structural fragments of the high metal center density microporous Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) CPO-27-Cu, by gas sorption, at a series of temperatures. For the purpose of comparison, we also measured the corresponding CO2 adsorption isotherms, and as a result, the isosteric heats of adsorption for the two studied adsorptives were derived, being in the range of 12–15 kJ/mol for NO at loadings up to 0.5 NO molecules per formula unit (f.u.) of the bare compound (C4O3HCu), and 23–25 kJ/mol CO2 in the range 0–1 CO2 per f.u. Microscopically, the mode of NO binding near the square pyramid Cu(II) centers was directly accessed with the use of in situ NO gas adsorption X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS). Additionally, during the vacuum/temperature activation of the material and consequent NO adsorption, the electronic state of the Cu-species was monitored by observing the corresponding X-ray Near Edge Spectra (XANES). Contrary to the previously anticipated chemisorption mechanism for NO binding at Cu(II) species, we found that at slightly elevated temperatures, under ambient, but also cryogenic conditions, only relatively weak physisorption takes place, with no evidence for a particular adsorption preference to the coordinatively unsaturated Cu-centers of the material. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Porous Frameworks: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications)
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12 pages, 2114 KiB  
Article
Interface-Sensitive Charge Storage and Activation Behavior of Mn(1,3,5-Benzenetricarboxylic Acid (BTC))-Derived Mn3O4/Carbon Cathodes for Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries
by Jieun Lee and Byoungnam Park
Molecules 2025, 30(12), 2566; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30122566 - 12 Jun 2025
Viewed by 335
Abstract
In this study, we couple precise interface engineering via alternating current electrophoretic deposition (AC–EPD) with performance-enhancing structural transformation via annealing, enabling the development of high-performance, stable, and tunable Mn-based cathodes for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). Using AC–EPD to fabricate Mn(BTC) (BTC = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic [...] Read more.
In this study, we couple precise interface engineering via alternating current electrophoretic deposition (AC–EPD) with performance-enhancing structural transformation via annealing, enabling the development of high-performance, stable, and tunable Mn-based cathodes for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). Using AC–EPD to fabricate Mn(BTC) (BTC = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid) cathodes followed by thermal annealing to synthesize MOF-derived Mn3O4 offers a synergistic approach that addresses several key challenges in aqueous ZIB systems. The Mn3O4 cathode prepared via AC–EPD from Mn(BTC) exhibited a remarkable specific capacity of up to 430 mAh/g at a current density of 200 mA/g. Interestingly, the capacity continued to increase progressively with cycling, suggesting dynamic structural or interfacial changes that improved Zn2+ transport and utilization over time. Such capacity enhancement behavior during prolonged cycling at elevated rates has not been observed in previously reported Mn3O4-based ZIB systems. Kinetic analysis further revealed that the charge storage process is predominantly governed by diffusion-controlled mechanisms. This behavior can be attributed to the intrinsic characteristics of the Mn3O4 phase formed from the MOF precursor, where the bulk redox reactions involving Zn2+ insertion require ion migration into the electrode interior. Even though the electrode was processed as an ultrathin film with enhanced electrolyte contact, the charge storage remains limited by solid-state ion diffusion rather than fast surface-driven reactions, reinforcing the diffusion-dominant nature of the system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Porous Frameworks: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications)
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Review

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35 pages, 19883 KiB  
Review
Design and Application of Mesoporous Catalysts for Liquid-Phase Furfural Hydrogenation
by Hyeongeon Lee, Shinjae Lee and Kwangjin An
Molecules 2025, 30(6), 1270; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30061270 - 12 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 835
Abstract
Furfural (FAL), a platform molecule derived from biomass through acid-catalyzed processes, holds significant potential for producing various value-added chemicals. Its unique chemical structure, comprising a furan ring and an aldehyde functional group, enables diverse transformation pathways to yield products such as furfuryl alcohol, [...] Read more.
Furfural (FAL), a platform molecule derived from biomass through acid-catalyzed processes, holds significant potential for producing various value-added chemicals. Its unique chemical structure, comprising a furan ring and an aldehyde functional group, enables diverse transformation pathways to yield products such as furfuryl alcohol, furan, tetrahydrofuran, and other industrially relevant compounds. Consequently, optimizing catalytic processes for FAL conversion has garnered substantial attention, particularly in selectivity and efficiency. The liquid-phase hydrogenation of FAL has demonstrated advantages, including enhanced catalyst stability and higher product yields. Among the catalysts investigated, mesoporous materials have emerged as promising candidates because of their high surface area, tunable pore structure, and ability to support highly dispersed active sites. These attributes are critical for maximizing the catalytic performance across various reactions, including FAL hydrogenation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in mesoporous catalyst design for FAL hydrogenation, focusing on synthesis strategies, metal dispersion control, and structural optimization to enhance catalytic performance. It explores noble metal-based catalysts, particularly highly dispersed Pd systems, as well as transition-metal-based alternatives such as Co-, Cu-, and Ni-based mesoporous catalysts, highlighting their electronic structure, bimetallic interactions, and active site properties. Additionally, metal–organic frameworks are introduced as both catalysts and precursors for thermally derived materials. Finally, key challenges that require further investigation are discussed, including catalyst stability, deactivation mechanisms, strategies to reduce reliance on external hydrogen sources, and the impact of solvent effects on product selectivity. By integrating these insights, this review provides a comprehensive perspective on the development of efficient and sustainable catalytic systems for biomass valorization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Porous Frameworks: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications)
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