Microenvironment modulation (MEM) by reticular materials for improved catalysis | Coshare Science

Review article

Chemistry

Microenvironment modulation (MEM) by reticular materials for improved catalysis

DOI: https://doi.org/10.61109/cs.202601.153

Coshare Science 04, 02 | Published 15 January 2026 |

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H.-L. Jiang, Microenvironment modulation (MEM) by reticular materials for improved catalysis, Coshare Science 04, 02 (2026).

Abstract

Catalyst design and optimization are central to advancing catalytic science. In both enzymatic and homogeneous systems, the microenvironment that creates distinct spatial and electronic configurations around active sites showcases profound influence on catalytic behavior. However, elucidating microenvironment modulation (MEM) in heterogeneous catalysts remains a significant challenge, primarily due to the structural rigidity and limited tailorability of conventional solid materials. Reticular materials, including metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs), have recently emerged as prominent candidates for heterogeneous catalysis. Their atomic-level structural precision and high degree of tunability render them ideal model systems for MEM around catalytic sites. As such, MOFs and COFs offer unique opportunities to unravel the role of MEM in governing catalytic performance. In this presentation, I will highlight our recent progress in leveraging MEM surrounding catalytic sites based on reticular materials for improving catalysis.

Keywords

microenvironment modulation

metal-organic frameworks

covalent organic frameworks

heterogeneous catalysis

Introduction

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Results

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Summary

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Declarations

The author declares no competing interests.

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2021YFA1500402), the NSFC (22331009 and W2512006).

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