Porphyrinic zirconium metal-organic frameworks: Synthesis and applications for adsorption/catalysis

Zr-based porphyrinic MOFs, which have isolated porphyrin units imbedded in MOFs’ rigid structure, exhibit excellent textural properties and high stability. Among the porphyrin ligands, tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)-porphyrin (TCPP) is broadly employed, and so far, seven Zr-based porphyrinic MOFs of MOF-525, MOF-545 (also named PCN-222), PCN-221, PCN-223, PCN-224, PCN-225, and NU-902 have been synthesized using TCCP. The built-in TCPP ligand with various functionality and coordinatively unsaturated Zr clusters can be subjected to diverse pre- and post-synthesis functionalization or guest encapsulation. Aided by the excellent hydrothermal/chemical stability and high porosity, these Zr-based porphyrinic MOFs are gaining attention for applications in adsorption, sensors, heterogeneous catalysis for chemical conversions, photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and others. This paper reviews the current status of research and development on the synthesis, characterization, functionalization, and adsorption/catalysis applications of Zr-based porphyrinic MOFs.