Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) as Catalysts/Photocatalysts for Organic Synthesis

Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as versatile materials for catalytic and photocatalytic applications due to their high surface area, tunable pore structures, and diverse metal–ligand combinations. These properties make MOFs promising candidates for sustainable organic synthesis, particularly for the preparation of bioactive molecules with potential pharmaceutical applications.

This PhD project aims to investigate the design and application of MOF-based catalysts and photocatalysts for the synthesis of biologically active organic compounds. The research will focus on the rational selection and modification of MOFs to enhance catalytic efficiency, selectivity, and stability. Redox-driven and light-assisted reactions will be explored as model transformations to establish structure–activity relationships and guide the development of effective catalytic systems.

The planned methodology includes MOF synthesis, structural and physicochemical characterization, and systematic catalytic evaluation under controlled conditions, with emphasis on sustainable and reusable processes. This study will also consider potential mechanistic insights into the catalytic behavior of MOFs and explore strategies for optimizing reaction conditions. By combining material design with targeted organic transformations, this work is expected to provide fundamental insights into MOF-catalyzed processes and to lay the groundwork for future experimental investigations aimed at producing bioactive molecules efficiently and sustainably. Furthermore, this research will contribute to the growing understanding of how MOF structural features can be tailored to improve catalytic performance in organic synthesis applications.