Multi-metallic MOFs based Composites for Environmental Applications: Merging Metals Centers, Mixing Metals Interaction

Abstract

The escalating threat of environmental issues to both nature and humanity over the past two decades underscores the urgency of dealing with environmental pollutants. In the study of materials as solutions for tackling these issues, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as highly promising ones. MOFs possess a multitude of advantageous properties including large specific surface area, tunable porosity, diverse pore structures, multi-channel design, and molecular sieve capabilities, making them particularly attractive for a wide array of environmental applications. MOF-based composites inherit the excellent properties of MOFs, but also exhibit different physicochemical properties and structures. Valuably, the tailoring of the central coordinated metal ions of MOFs is critical for their adaptability in environmental applications. This work critically reviews recent progress in MOF-based composites characterized by monometallic, bimetallic, and multi-metallic centers, emphasizing their applications in the detection, absorption, and degradation of environmental pollutants. Specifically, the discussion centers on their efficacy in hazardous gas sensing, electromagnetic wave absorption (EMWA), and degradation of pollutants in both aqueous and atmospheric environments. Moreover, the categories of MOFs are summarized. MOF-based composites demonstrate significant promise to meet the challenge of environmental issues depending on the number and type of metal centers present. This work will give a clear and valuable perspective on MOF-based composites in environmental applications.