Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for environmental remediation: Current Status and Future Prospects
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Youngstown State University, Ohio, USA.
Review Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2022, 16(03), 1358-1370
Publication history:
Received on 19 November 2022; revised on 23 December 2022; accepted on 28 December 2022
Abstract:
Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have gained significant attention as advanced materials for environmental remediation due to their high surface area, tunable porosity, and versatile chemical functionality. These hybrid crystalline materials, composed of metal ions or clusters coordinated with organic linkers, offer unprecedented opportunities for the selective adsorption, separation, and catalytic degradation of diverse environmental pollutants. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of recent progress in the development and application of MOFs for water and air purification. It begins with an exploration of fundamental MOF properties, including structural features, functionalization strategies, and affinity mechanisms relevant to contaminant removal. Various synthesis approaches are compared, with emphasis on emerging green fabrication techniques aimed at reducing environmental impact and enhancing scalability.
The article highlights MOF applications in aqueous environments for the removal of heavy metals, dyes, antibiotics, and persistent organic pollutants, as well as gas-phase applications such as CO₂ capture, VOC adsorption, and photocatalytic air purification. The role of composite materials, such as MOF–polymer and MOF–carbon hybrids, is examined in enhancing stability and functionality. Key operational factors including pH, ionic strength, regeneration potential, and structural robustness are analyzed to assess real-world feasibility. Current challenges such as hydrolytic degradation, potential secondary pollution, economic viability, and lack of field-scale demonstrations are critically discussed. Finally, the review outlines future prospects for MOFs in environmental engineering, including the use of computational modeling, machine learning, smart MOF systems, lifecycle assessment (LCA), and integration into scalable treatment platforms.
By consolidating recent advancements and identifying future research directions, this article serves as a valuable resource for scientists, engineers, and policymakers striving to develop sustainable and high-performance remediation technologies.
Keywords:
Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFS); Environmental Remediation; Water Treatment; Air Pollution Control; Adsorption and Photocatalysis
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