The Rapid Growth of Metal–Organic Framework (MOF) Research in China
In recent years, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as a focal point in scientific exploration, witnessing remarkable expansion, especially in China. Data from the American Chemical Society’s CAS Content Collection indicates a dramatic surge in MOF-related research. From under 200 MOF publications in 2005 to more than 20,000 by 2025, the striking increase reflects the growing fascination and progress in this area originating from initial ideas about gas storage to innovative applications across diverse fields.
China leads the way in MOF research, accounting for 59% of all global publications with nearly 81,000 papers, outpacing both the United States and the United Kingdom, which contributed 8,200 and 1,800 publications, respectively. This prominence aligns with China’s top position in scientific publications, particularly within materials science and energy sectors.
Adsorption stands out as the most common MOF application, encompassing 41,000 publications, closely followed by catalysis with 31,000 publications. This demonstrates the wide-ranging potential of MOFs in various industries, including carbon sequestration, gas capture, wastewater treatment, and chemical catalysis. Approximately 19% of these MOF publications are patents, with Chinese universities dominating the leading patenting entities worldwide.
The World Intellectual Property Organization highlights a varied interest in MOF patenting among international companies, particularly in the petrochemical and chemical sectors focused on carbon capture and energy storage.
Notable figures like Omar Yaghi from the University of California, Berkeley, who has played a crucial role in MOF advancements, stress the significance of collective scientific strength. This idea was reiterated during the American Chemical Society (ACS) meeting in Atlanta on March 25, where the fostering of innovative partnerships and scientific rivalry was encouraged.
Yaghi also addressed the interdisciplinary aspects of reticular chemistry, integrating organic, inorganic, physical, analytical, and materials chemistry while engaging with physics, biology, engineering, and computer science. This merging heralds a transformative period in chemical research, marked by pioneering innovation and collaboration across conventional boundaries.
In his keynote address for the ACS’s 150th anniversary, Yaghi motivated young scientists, highlighting the unparalleled resources and research opportunities available today. His guidance emphasizes an active approach to experimentation, paving the way for discoveries that could reshape the scientific realm.
The continued growth in MOF research illustrates the field’s vibrant potential and multidisciplinary influence, with China propelling a substantial share of the global scientific initiative.