Metal−Organic Frameworks in Industrial Adoption and Economic Viability

Abstract

Metal−organic frameworks (MOF) are materials synthesised from a wide range of organic and inorganic components with extremely high porosity and large internal surface areas. These features make MOFs suitable for different industrial applications. MOFs are used industrially for gas storage, air purification, water absorption, and drug delivery. Despite these numerous uses, commercial production of MOF is low mainly due to high production costs. Several techniques have been developed over time to synthesize MOF, mainly at small or laboratory scales. These methods were discussed in this chapter with special emphasis on industrial scalability. The challenges leading to slow off-take of industrial production of MOF were highlighted. Research efforts to justify the industrial adoption of MOF through techno-economic analysis were identified. The solvothermal method remains the most exploited technique for the industrial synthesis of MOFs. Meanwhile, Solvent and linker are the critical components contributing to the high cost of MOF production. The use of green materials and the exploration of other synthesis routes that do not require huge volumes of solvent were recommended. The study also highlighted the importance of adopting continuous production and shortening precipitation time to reduce production costs.