Energy–structure–property relationships in uranium metal–organic frameworks

Abstract

Located at the foot of the periodic table, uranium is a relatively underexplored element possessing rich chemistry. In addition to its high relevance to nuclear power, uranium shows promise for small molecule activation and photocatalysis, among many other powerful functions. Researchers have used metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) to harness uranium's properties, and in their quest to do so, have discovered remarkable structures and unique properties unobserved in traditional transition metal MOFs. More recently, (e.g. the last 8–10 years), theoretical calculations of framework energetics have supplemented structure–property studies in uranium MOFs (U-MOFs). In this Perspective, we summarize how these budding energy–structure–property relationships in U-MOFs enable a deeper understanding of chemical phenomena, enlarge chemical space, and elevate the field to targeted, rather than exploratory, discovery. Importantly, this Perspective encourages interdisciplinary connections between experimentalists and theorists by demonstrating how these collaborations have elevated the entire U-MOF field.