From Macro- to Nanoscale: Finite Size Effects on Metal–Organic Framework Switchability

Switchable metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) stand out for potential applications in energy storage, separation, sensing, and catalysis. The understanding of MOF switchability mechanisms has progressed significantly over the past two decades. Nanostructuring is essential for the integration of such materials into thin films, hierarchical composites, and membranes and for biological applications. However, downsizing below critical dimensions causes dramatic changes in the dynamic behavior and responsiveness towards external stimuli. We discuss the most important experimental findings and derive general guidelines and hypotheses of relevance for the impact of crystal size on switchability. Understanding nanostructure thermodynamics and implications for the tailoring of dynamic porous systems requires an interdisciplinary approach, advanced physical characterization techniques, and new modeling strategies to cover a wider range of time and length scales.