However, the tunability, cyclic stability, and selective adsorption/desorption characteristics of these materials are opening up opportunities for their commercialization as energy-efficient alternatives for a range of critical, energy-intensive technologies. These include carbon capture, rainwater harvesting for drinking water production and HVAC systems, as well as various chemical separation and purification processes (e.g., gas separation, air filtration, direct lithium extraction, PFAS removal, and many more).

Historically, one of the main obstacles preventing the widespread commercialization of MOFs has been their high manufacturing cost, which in turn has resulted in high market prices. However, recent partnerships between established industry players, such as BASF, and startups like AirJoule, Svante, and WaHa to strategically scale up production of specific MOFs in order to commercialize MOF-based technologies could prove crucial in reducing these costs. Combined with the unique performance characteristics offered by these materials, there is the potential to position MOFs as a more competitive alternative to current energy-intensive technologies, which could also encourage greater market adoption.

MOF Manufacturing

Industrial implementation depends on the availability, quality, and affordability of materials. Most MOFs developed in research laboratories are synthesized using solvothermal methods at the milligram scale. To produce MOFs at an industrial scale, production methods must be scalable.
Furthermore, the availability of raw materials is a critical factor in determining the commercial viability of a MOF. With over 100,000 registered structures, only a few meet the criteria for potential commercialization. Based on information gathered from interviews with key players such as BASF, Numat, and Promethean Particles, the IDTechEx report critically evaluates the advantages and challenges of the various approaches adopted by manufacturers to scale up MOF production. Drawing on primary research, the report also addresses the factors influencing production costs and, ultimately, the selling price of MOFs. The report also provides an overview of the production capabilities of major manufacturers.

Carbon capture is a key factor for the growth of the MOF market

The deployment of carbon capture technologies is an important tool for achieving net-zero emissions. However, despite the high level of maturity of amine solvent-based methods (i.e., amine scrubbing) for capturing CO2, their deployment remains limited, mainly due to the high installation costs and the energy consumption associated with solvent regeneration.

Modular carbon capture systems with solid MOF-based sorbents, such as those being developed by Svante and Nuada, are gaining momentum, driven by a significant reduction in energy requirements for sorbent regeneration, greater sorbent stability, CO2 selectivity, and lower capital expenditure compared to solvent-based systems.

MOFs for chemical separations and purifications

Chemical separation and purification are fundamental operations in manufacturing industries such as chemical production, mining, and oil and gas refining. Conventional thermal chemical separation processes based on distillation have significant drawbacks: they require a large amount of space, involve considerable capital expenditure, and consume a lot of energy. The adjustable chemical selectivity and controllable pore architecture of MOFs enable the selective separation of chemicals when used as solid sorbents or membranes.

For example, MOF-based membrane manufacturer UniSieve told IDTechEx that it has demonstrated the separation of chemicals with boiling points of approximately 5°C using its non-thermal membrane technology, which would otherwise require energy-intensive thermal separation using distillation columns around 100 m high. Advances in applications such as refrigerant recovery, direct lithium extraction, and various gas separation and purification processes, including biogas upgrading and polymer-grade propylene production, are being evaluated in IDTechEx research.

MOF for water harvesting and climate control technologies

Atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) technologies that utilize advanced sorbents (e.g., MOFs) offer the opportunity to harness water resources in regions where traditional water sources are limited. Furthermore, the heating and cooling effects induced by the water adsorption and desorption properties of MOFs can also be used for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, which can operate with up to 75% less electricity consumption compared to conventional vapor-compression refrigeration technologies. This is particularly important, as global electricity consumption for HVAC systems is projected to triple by 2050 due to increased demand, especially in Asia and the Middle East.

The IDTechEx report covers advancements in materials and technology for air-to-water (AWH) and HVAC systems that incorporate MOFs, with references and comparisons of key performance indicators with other sorbents. The report also highlights the major players at the forefront of the development and commercialization of these technologies.

MOF for gas storage, energy storage, and other early-stage applications

MOFs are also being investigated for gas storage applications, and US-based MOF manufacturer Numat has commercialized its ION-X range for storing dopant gases for the semiconductor industry. Several startups are also developing prototype MOF-based natural gas storage solutions to support gas supply networks, while progress in hydrogen storage applications is less advanced. Energy storage and battery applications are also areas where MOFs are generating significant interest, with players such as Svolt, GM, LG Energy, and others leading R&D efforts. The IDTechEx report also examines other early-stage applications, such as catalysis, sensors, and more.

IDTechEx's Perspectives on MOF

The diverse applications of MOFs offer a wide range of possibilities for the adoption of MOF-based technologies, especially in applications where MOFs can significantly reduce energy consumption and operating costs. These include carbon capture, chemical separations, and water harvesting. However, these technologies have not yet been proven at an industrial scale, and novel technologies can be perceived as risky, which may hinder their early adoption. Furthermore, existing technologies have a strong presence in key target markets, and MOFs may struggle to gain market share.

With the arrival of several commercial products in the next decade, MOF-based technologies will need to demonstrate their performance at scale. This must also be complemented by sustained growth in manufacturing capacity through scalable methods.

As MOF-based technologies near commercialization, the new IDTechEx report, "Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) 2025-2035: Markets, Technologies, and Forecasts," offers an independent analysis of key trends and considers MOF applications for other early-stage technologies, such as hydrogen storage, energy storage (e.g., batteries), semiconductors, sensors, and more. Building on insights gained from primary research, the report analyzes major industry players and provides market forecasts in terms of annual demand and market value segmented by application. IDTechEx forecasts that this market will grow at a CAGR of 40% between 2025 and 2035.

Author: Dr. Shababa Selim, Senior Technology Analyst at IDTechEx