There has been exponential growth in the number of nanoporous framework materials reported in the scientific literature over recent years, with thousands of new metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), molecular framework materials, inorganic framework materials, and supramolecular frameworks. These novel families of materials open up new horizons in practically all branches of engineering, physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine.


Many framework materials are based on relatively weak interactions (coordinative bonds, π−π stacking, hydrogen bonds, etc.), and present large numbers of intramolecular degrees of freedom. Evidence is accumulating that there is a propensity among these framework materials to display large-scale dynamic behaviour. These cooperative phenomena are very diverse both in terms of their microscopic origins and their macroscopic manifestations.


This volume brings together internationally leading researchers to identify the open questions and challenges in this field as well as the best ways to address them. The topics covered include:





Materials breaking the rules

Advanced characterisation techniques: multi-scale, in situ and time-resolved

Novel computational tools

Toward complex systems and devices