Applications and future development of solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance for investigating metal-organic frameworks

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of porous materials that feature permanent porosity, high crystallinity, and diverse structures. The 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to three pioneering scientists working in the MOF field. Over the past thirty years, a wide variety of MOFs have been documented. The plethora of robust structures and porosities available has opened the door to MOF applications in many fields. The vast array of possible MOF structures also renders characterization challenging and poses significant obstacles in establishing structure-property relationships. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) is one of the most accessible and informative techniques available for the characterization of MOFs. In this review, we discuss selected uses of SSNMR for probing the local environments surrounding MOF metal centers and organic linkers, along with impactful applications designed to enhance understanding of host-guest interactions within MOFs. Cutting-edge SSNMR research of MOFs is highlighted, emphasizing examples of breakthroughs achieved with recent advances in hardware and pulse sequences. MOF research is entering a new stage focused on practical applications and tailored rational design for industrial purposes. SSNMR will play a pivotal role in the future of MOF characterization, with both significant opportunities and challenges looming on the horizon.