Dear Colleagues,

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs), metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs), and graphene–organic frame works (GOFs) are the new class of crystalline porous networks attracting more attention due to their unique crystalline ordered structure, easy tenability, large surface area, pore size, and thermal stability. Furthermore, the ability to control scales that vary in length from the atomic to the bulk structure allows access to an almost infinite variety of organic frameworks through the careful selection of the precursor and their derived materials. Indeed, MOFs and COFs have been investigated as a class of useful functional materials. Surprisingly, recent research has revealed that MOFs are exceptionally good precursors for a wide range of nano-hybrids as active materials in both chemical and biological applications.

A significant amount of literature has reported the use of MOFs in a wide range of applications, including carbon dioxide reduction into solar fuels, pollutant degradation, sensing, gas storage, drug delivery, gas vapour separation, luminescence, lithium-ion batteries, water treatment such as photo- and electro-catalysis as well as enzyme-encapsulation-based bio-sensing and bio-fuel cell applications. Specifically, these porous organic framework capsules that house enzymes not only shield them from harsh catalytic conditions, but also make it easier for guest molecules to diffuse selectively through the carrier. Because of their intricate and delicate structures, enzymes must be protected by a support material when exposed to harsh catalytic conditions.

The design and modification of various organic frameworks is an emerging field that presents ample opportunities. Many new materials have indeed been developed, and the potential seems endless, but the application of MOFs remains undiscovered mainly in industrial technology.  It is expected that continued scientific research will enable their potential applications.  We therefore decided to launch a Special Issue devoted to "organic-framework-based porous nanostructures: synthesis and their potential in bio-sensing and photo-electro catalysis", with a special emphasis on the preparation strategies and their widespread applications.

Dr. Ganesh Koyyada
Dr. Naresh Mameda
Dr. Anil Reddy Marri
Guest Editors

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• organic crystal structural engineering
• coordination chemistry
• organic compounds
• morphology
• enzyme
• sensing
• photo-electro catalysis
• remediation of water/wastewater contamination