Engineering robust MOFs: Fundamental design paradigms, advanced synthetic strategies, and emerging technological frontiers

As an emerging category of porous materials, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) demonstrate significant potential for applications such as chemical detection, gas adsorption, molecular separation, and catalysis. Although MOFs possess many advantages, the stability of many MOFs under harsh circumstances ultimately restricts their practical applications. In this review, we provide an overview of the latest progress pertaining to stable MOFs, including the basic principles underlying MOF stability, the synthesis and design of robust MOF structures, and the latest uses for them. This review aims to offer valuable insights into existing MOF structures, thereby guiding the design of more stable MOFs and potentially facilitating the exploration and creation of improved functional materials. • This review systematically elucidates the fundamental factors governing MOF stability. • It summarizes advanced synthetic to improve the stability and functionality of MOFs under challenging conditions. • The manuscript highlights the emerging technological applications of MOFs, showcasing their broad potential across multiple fields.