Facile directions for synthesis, modification and activation of MOFs

Abstract This review focuses on the description of typical procedures to prepare MOFs. The updated known methods of synthesis, essential modifications and reliable activation are all briefly elucidated and discussed. Synthesis procedures via Liquid phase synthesis or solid phase synthesis procedures were intensively studied. The liquid phase synthesis methods includes the slow evaporation method, hydrothermal/solvothermal procedure, electrochemical method, sonochemical method, microwave method, spray-drying method, flow chemistry method and ionothermal method while the solid phase method was represented by mechanochemical method. Among of them, the most reliable method used by researchers was the hydrothermal or solvothermal method. The modification by the direct synthesis procedure and post-synthesis procedure are briefly discussed. It has been found that the direct synthesis procedure is broadly used however it was not always preferred due to the difficulty to synthesise some functionalised MOFs. Activation procedures are essentially explained. The solvent exchange activation method was mostly used. This review will provide a comprehensive background of MOF synthesis for the beginners in this area.