Morphological Anisotropy in Metal-Organic Framework Micro/Nanostructures

Anisotropy plays a unique role in the structural regulation of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and their composites, especially at the micro- and nanoscale. However, there is a lack of a understanding of MOF micro/nanoparticles (MNPs) from the perspective of morphological anisotropy. In this Minireview, recent advances in anisotropic MOF MNPs are summarized, with a focus on how morphological anisotropy leads to innovative structures and modulates properties. First, anisotropic pristine MOF MNPs with diverse morphologies are introduced and classified by their morphology-dependent and morphology-independent anisotropy. Secondly, the anisotropy-enabled site-selective higher-order construction of MOF-based materials is highlighted. Finally, challenges and prospects for anisotropic MOFs are discussed, aiming to provide inspiration for further developments in this interesting research field.