New synthetic strategies to prepare metal-organic frameworks

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted extensive research interest due to their rich structure chemistry and many potential industrial applications in the areas of gas separation and storage, catalysis, drug delivery, chemical sensors, magnetism, and others. The synthesis of MOF materials by convenient and environmentally friendly methods is highly desirable for the advancement of MOF chemistry. This critical review summarizes the recent developments in the application of new synthetic strategies for preparing MOFs, including the ionothermal method, deep eutectic solvent usage, surfactant-thermal process, and mechanochemistry. The roles of different solvents in the reaction systems are discussed.