Synthesis and application of metal-organic framework films

[Display omitted] •A review based on metal-organic framework films and their composites.•Synthetic strategies and applications are studied.•Challenges in future development of metal-organic framework films are addressed. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are crystalline porous materials in which metal ions or clusters are constructed in cooperation with organic linkers. MOFs have received tremendous attention in the fields of both inorganic and organic chemistry owing to their high porosity, large specific surface area, regular pore arrangement, and adjustable pore size. This article reviews a large number of preparation methods for MOF films, including liquid phase epitaxy, supersonic cold spraying, direct gas-phase preparation, and interface-assisted synthesis. Thereafter, we introduce applications of MOF films in the fields of optics, sensing, catalysis, adsorption, and separation, as well as their electrochemical energy storage. At the end of this review, we describe the challenges that need to be overcome and consider future perspectives for synthesis and applications.