Microporous metal-organic frameworks for storage and separation of small hydrocarbons.

Hydrocarbons are very important energy resources and raw materials for some industrially important products and fine chemicals. There is a need for the discovery of better materials that offer enhanced capacities for safe storage of hydrocarbons. Furthermore, the development of improved separation technologies will lead to significant reduction in energy requirements and costs. In this feature article, we provide an overview of the current status of the emerging microporous metal-organic frameworks for the storage and separation of small hydrocarbons.