Material Preparation Information File (MPIF): A Community‐Driven Standard for Reporting MOF Syntheses

Abstract

ABSTRACT The rapid growth of research on metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and related porous materials has highlighted a critical need for standardized reporting of synthetic procedures and material properties. Synthesis consistency is often compromised by incomplete protocols and inconsistent nomenclature, with even well‐established MOFs exhibiting substantial variability depending on subtle and frequently unreported factors. To address this critical challenge, we introduce the Material Preparation Information File (MPIF), a modular, machine‐ and human‐readable format for documenting synthesis protocols alongside key characterization data. Built on the Self‐defining Text Archive and Retrieval (STAR) file architecture, MPIF consolidates essential information, including reagents, conditions, equipment, and handling procedures—into a structured format that supports both digital processing and practical laboratory use. To streamline MPIF creation and editing, a web‐based interface has been developed (mpif.jackdevans.com). By aligning with existing standards such as CIF and AIF, MPIF enables integration with databases, promotes FAIR data principles, and provides a foundation for data‐driven materials discovery, informatics, and automation. We envision MPIF becoming a community‐wide standard for transparent and consistent reporting of MOF and related material syntheses.