A smart approach to achieve an exceptionally high loading of metal nanoparticles supported by functionalized extended frameworks for efficient catalysis.

The problem associated with metal nanoparticle (NP) agglomeration when trying to achieve a high loading amount has been solved by a new method of functionalization of MOFs' pores with terminal alkyne moieties. The alkynophilicity of the Au(3+) ions has been utilized successfully for an exceptionally high loading (∼50 wt%) of Au-NPs on supported functionalized MOFs.