MOF thin films reveal hidden dense packing, challenging decades of porous assumptions

Researchers have discovered that thin films of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) exhibit a hidden dense packing structure, contradicting the long-held assumption that MOFs are uniformly porous. This finding, published in a recent study, challenges decades of foundational understanding about MOF material properties. MOFs, which won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, are widely used for gas storage, CO2 capture, and targeted drug delivery. The dense packing in thin films could significantly alter their performance in these applications, potentially reducing porosity and affecting efficiency. The study was conducted by an international team of scientists and published in a peer-reviewed journal. No official statements from the Nobel committee or major MOF manufacturers have been released yet.

Global Impact

This finding has significant implications for the materials science and energy storage industries. Economically, it could reduce the expected commercial value of MOF thin films in CO2 capture and gas storage, potentially slowing investment in these technologies.