Spectroscopy, microscopy, diffraction and scattering of archetypal MOFs: Formation, metal sites in catalysis and thin films

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of porous crystalline materials showing great potential for applications such as catalysis, gas storage, molecular separations, energy storage and drug delivery. The properties that render them interesting stem from their structure (e.g. morphology, porosity or metal coordination and geometry). Thus, gaining a deeper understanding strongly relies on the availability and adequate use of advanced characterization tools, which can interrogate MOFs under realistic synthesis as well as catalysis (or sorption) conditions. Herein, we present an overview of the various characterization techniques specifically suitable for the study on the underlying chemistry of the formation mechanisms and adsorption properties of three archetypal MOFs, namely MIL-100, ZIF-8 and HKUST-1. A section on using MOFs as supports for metal atoms or complexes that can be used for catalysis on the robust Zr6 nodes of UiO-66 or NU-1000, and the characterization techniques used thereof, is presented as well. In addition, we discuss recent developments on the application of nano-spectroscopic characterization for MOF thin-films and explore the potential of MOFs as model systems in catalysis. The conclusions and outlook provide future research possibilities in the field of MOF characterization.