Recent advances in the applications of thorium-based metal–organic frameworks and molecular clusters. Issue 19 (19th April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Zi-Jian; Guo, Xiaofeng; Qiu, Jie; Lu, Huangjie; Wang, Jian-Qiang; Lin, Jian
• Is Part Of: Dalton transactions. Volume 51:Issue 19(2022)
• Page Start: 7376
• Page End: 7389
• Publication Date: 2022-04-19
• Subjects: Chemistry, Inorganic -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Physical and theoretical -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Inorganic -- Periodicals; 546.05
• DOI: 10.1039/d2dt00265e
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1477-9226

Abstract

Abstract : This perspective summarizes the recent advances in the structures and applications of thorium-based metal–organic frameworks and molecular clusters. Abstract : This perspective highlights the recent advances in the structural and practical aspects of thorium-based metal–organic frameworks (Th-MOFs) and molecular clusters. Thorium, as an underexplored actinide, features surprisingly rich coordination geometries and accessibility of the 5f orbital. These features lead to a myriad of topologies and electronic structures, many of which are undocumented for other tetravalent metal-containing MOFs or clusters. Moreover, Th-MOFs inherit the modularity, structural tunability, porosity, and versatile functionality of the state-of-the-art MOFs. Recognizing the radioactive nature of these thorium-bearing materials that may limit their practical uses, Th-MOFs and Th-clusters still have great potential for various applications, including radionuclide sequestration, hydrocarbon storage/separation, radiation detection, photoswitch, CO2 conversion, photocatalysis, and electrocatalysis. The objective of this updated perspective is to propose pathways for the renaissance of interest in thorium-based materials.