New class of microporous aerogels made from supramolecular nanofibrils solves trade-off between porosity and durability
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1122415 "microporous materials like MOFs rigid/ brittle/ difficult to shape crystals overcome: instead of strong chemical bonds for 3D cage, used metal–organic polyhedra (individual molecules with intrinsic holes) linked using weak van der Waals interactions... assembles into flexible 1D fibrils rather than rigid crystal, entangling forming aerogel, withstands massive compressive deformation without breaking, liquefies when shaken/stressed allowing to be easily molded... advanced filters, flexible sensors, catalysis"