Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of materials consisting of metal ions or clusters coordinated to organic ligands, forming highly porous structures with a high surface area. They are designed at the nanoscale, featuring a network of metal ions or clusters connected by organic linkers to form three-dimensional structures known as crystalline coordination networks.

The remarkable properties of MOFs, such as their high porosity, tunable structure, and large surface area, make them incredibly versatile for various applications including:

1. Gas Storage and Separation: MOFs can store gases like hydrogen and methane at high densities, making them promising for applications in gas storage and separation.
2. Catalysis: These materials exhibit potential for catalyzing chemical reactions due to their high surface area and tailored pore structures, which can enhance reactant accessibility and selectivity.
3. Drug Delivery: The porous nature of MOFs allows for the encapsulation and controlled release of drugs, showing promise in drug delivery systems.
4. Sensing and Detection: MOFs can be modified to detect specific molecules or ions, making them useful for sensing applications like environmental monitoring or medical diagnostics.
5. Energy Storage: They are investigated for applications in energy storage devices such as batteries and supercapacitors due to their ability to store charged species within their pores.
6. The properties and functionalities of MOFs can be finely tuned by modifying their components—metal ions, organic linkers, and synthesis conditions—which allows for a wide range of potential applications across multiple industries, including environmental, biomedical, and energy-related fields.