Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are usually unstable in aqueous solution, thus limiting their applications. A new strategy, involving the embedding of moisture-sensitive MOFs into a polymer monolith with different compartments by microwave-assisted in situ polymerization is described. A larger compartment led to structural collapse of the MOF; when a narrow compartment was used, the crystalline MOF structure was retained. The resultant composites show high stabilities even when soaked in acid solution for 24 h. More information can be found in the Communication by H. Y.
Huang et al. on
page 42 ff.