ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Hydrogen-bonded organic framework

Imagine you are building a tall tower with some toy blocks. Now, imagine these blocks are made of very small particles called molecules, and they can stick together in different ways, like magnets.

One type of molecule is called a hydrogen atom, and it can form a special type of bond with other molecules, called a hydrogen bond. This bond is like a handshake between the atoms, where they share some electrons.

Now, let's make a fun activity with some other blocks that are special too. These blocks are made of different molecules with hydrogen atoms that can form hydrogen bonds with each other. It's like a big group of friends holding hands.

This group is called a hydrogen-bonded organic framework, and it can make a very strong and stable structure. It's like a big castle made only of friendly blocks that are closely connected to each other.

We can use this framework to make new materials that have specific properties, like capturing carbon dioxide from the air or storing hydrogen for fuel cells.

So, in short, a hydrogen-bonded organic framework is a structure made of blocks that are friends and stick together tightly. It can be used to create new materials with useful properties.