MOFs + rotaxanes = MOFaxanes

Researchers in Japan have combined two of chemistry’s most well-known structural motifs to make a new class of interlocked supramolecular system: ‘MOFaxanes’.

The new structure is a conceptual combination of a metal–organic framework (MOF) and a rotaxane. MOFs are crystalline materials formed of a network of metal ions and organic linker molecules. They generally contain nanometre-sized pores, which can be used to coordinate small guest molecules. These properties give MOFs a wide range of potential applications, such as in catalysis, gas storage and separation processes.