Sacrificial MOFs on usage: multifunctional compounds

Abstract

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have traditionally been valued for their stability, which is crucial for applications in catalysis, separation, and storage. However, instability, often considered a drawback, can serve as a functional advantage in specific applications. This study explores the benefits of unstable MOFs, particularly in areas where controlled degradation is desirable. Instability is an inherent characteristic of many MOFs, and rather than being viewed as a limitation, it can be harnessed to achieve remarkable outcomes. Sacrificial MOFs, which undergo complete or partial decomposition, present unique opportunities in biomedical applications, including drug delivery, bio-imaging, and wound healing, where structural breakdown can be advantageous. Furthermore, instability can be strategically utilized to create temporary scaffolds, controlled-release systems, and transient functional materials. By shifting the perspective from stability as a prerequisite to instability as an asset, this review highlights and underscores the high potential of labile MOFs and their emerging role in diverse fields beyond conventional applications. Therefore, it's critical to learn about potential future uses for sacrificial MOFs, and it's particularly opportune to offer a review in this field. Herein, we provide a description of all applications and characterization in sacrificial MOFs with recent examples and a full discussion about sacrificial MOFs.