Metal-organic frameworks as potential shock absorbers: the case of the highly flexible MIL-53(Al)

The mechanical energy absorption ability of the highly flexible; MIL-53(Al) MOF material was explored using a combination of; experiments and molecular simulations. A pressure-induced transition; between the large pore and the closed pore forms of this solid; was revealed to be irreversible and associated with a relatively large; energy absorption capacity. Both features make MIL-53(Al) the first; potential MOF candidate for further use as a shock absorber.