Synthesis chemistry of metal-organic frameworks for CO2 capture and conversion for sustainable energy future

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have received special attention in recent years as a result of their attractive and unique properties such as structure flexibility, high surface area, tunable pore size and functionalizable organic linkers and metal centres which have led to vast array of promising applications. Their properties can be improved to further enhance their performance by functionalization of the organic linkers, postsyntheic modification, and doping of nanomaterials into their frameworks. In this review, some recent synthetic methods for the preparation of MOFs are discussed, especially those that are applicable to CO2 adsorption. The second part of this paper discusses the applications of MOFs as heterogeneous catalyst for various CO2 conversion processes, with a view to address some of the challenges faced by the current technology of CO2 conversion which tend to be very energy intensive processes with high level of waste emission and cost. The current state of MOF commercialization for niche markets is also discussed.