Scientists have found that metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in thin film form exhibit a hidden dense packing arrangement, contradicting long-held beliefs about their porous structure. The discovery, reported in a recent study, directly challenges foundational assumptions that have guided MOF research since the materials gained prominence.
MOFs, which won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, are renowned for their exceptional porosity and are considered promising for innovations in gas storage, carbon capture, and targeted drug delivery. This new finding could force a reevaluation of how these materials behave at the nanoscale, particularly in technological applications where thin films are used.
The study did not provide specific numerical data on the density difference or quantify the structural change. Instead, it described the packing as "hidden" and noted it contradicts decades of porous assumptions, suggesting the effect has been overlooked in previous research.
This revelation may impact industries relying on MOF thin films for energy, environmental, and biomedical applications. If dense packing reduces effective porosity, performance in gas storage or drug release could be affected, though further research is needed to determine practical implications.
The findings underscore that even well-studied materials can hold surprises. Researchers will need to reassess whether existing models for MOF behavior in device contexts remain valid.