Templated Solvent-Free Powder Synthesis and MOF-CVD Films of the Ultramicroporous Metal–Organic Framework α‑Magnesium Formate

Because of their molecular sieving properties, metal–organic frameworks have a high potential for application in gas storage, separation, and sensing. However, their real-world implementation will require robust and low-cost synthetic approaches. We herein report the solvent-free synthesis of ultramicroporous α-magnesium formate (α-MgFm) based on the solid–vapor reaction of magnesium oxide (MgO) and formic acid and establish the requirement for a structure-directing agent. Translated into a chemical vapor deposition protocol, this method enables the fabrication of high-quality, pinhole-free films of α-MgFm.