Scientists Say: Metal-Organic Framework

Metal-organic framework, (noun, “MEH-tal Or-GAN-ik FRAYM-werk”)

Metal-organic frameworks — or MOFs — are a type of material made of metal– and carbon-based molecules. These molecules are linked together into complex, 3-D shapes.

Imagine a house that’s being built. After laying the foundation, builders construct a skeleton-like wooden frame. This framework consists mostly of empty space. MOFs are structured much the same way. Their molecules assemble into a scaffold-like material. And like that wooden frame, an MOF’s interior is also mostly empty space.

Unlike the ho...