Unconventional inorganic precursors determine the growth of metal-organic frameworks

Crystalline metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are an emerging type of the hybrid materials with multifunctional inorganic and organic building blocks, which have been applied in a wide range of energy-related and environment-related applications. In this context, a remaining challenge in the systematical syntheses of hierarchically porous MOFs composites is existing to alter supermolecular structure, chemical composition, and versatile functionality. It is generally accepted that the regulation of MOF preparation is of great significance, which is related to the solubility of those starting inorganic components. We learn that there are several possible drawbacks induced by conventional soluble metal precursors in homogeneous reaction conditions, so the increasing research interest in the facile synthesis of MOFs and their derivatives from insoluble metal templates and/or precursors has been ignited in the past decade. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the facile preparation and usage of MOF materials by using the unconventional inorganic precursors in heterogeneous synthetic conditions, including template types, preparation methods, extension strategies, advantages, limitations and related applications.