Cooperative effects at the interface of nanocrystalline metal–organic frameworks

Controlling the chemistry at the interface of nanocrystalline solids has been a challenge and an important goal to realize desired properties. Integrating two different types of materials has the potential to yield new functions resulting from cooperative effects between the two constituents. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are unique in that they are constructed by linking inorganic units with organic linkers where the building units can be varied nearly at will. This flexibility has made MOFs ideal materials for the design of functional entities at interfaces and hence allowing control of properties. This review highlights the strategies employed to access synergistic functionality at the interface of nanocrystalline MOFs (nMOFs) and inorganic nanocrystals (NCs).