Solubility and thermodynamic stability of metal–organic frameworks

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are a special class of porous functional materials constituted by inorganic metal ions and organic linkers. From the application point, the less solubility of MOFs in water prevents them from the drug delivery process and restrains them from the oral bioavailability of pharmaceuticals. This article provides some strategies to develop water-soluble MOFs for practical applications. On the other side, the stability of MOFs in water containing environment is also important for the adsorption and sensing of hazardous pollutants in the environment. In the past, a large number of reported MOFs display varying stabilities in contact with water ranging from rapid hydrolysis to persistence over months. Though there have been a number of reports on the designing of MOFs analysis of the thermodynamic stability of MOFs and energetics of host–guest interactions have been confined. The MOFs reactivity with water is thermodynamically controlled while energetics of formation can be predicted and utilized to determine the extent of water sensitivity of MOFs. For industrial applications, there is an essential requirement to explore more thermodynamically stable MOFs which sustain both the structural integrity and porosity of the frameworks. This chapter sums up the solubility and current advancement of experimental resolution of the thermodynamics of MOF and also provides some factors and strategies to improve the thermodynamic stability of MOF materials.