Metal organic framework-based materials for water remediation: Recent progress, challenges, and future perspective

Abstract

Water is an integral part of the human body and other living beings on the planet. Since the last few decades, water pollution is on the rise. Contaminants pose risk not only to human health but also to the aquatic life. Therefore, water purification has been the focus of researchers, driving the quest for more sustainable and efficient treatment technologies. Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as highly effective adsorbent due to their versatile properties such as tailorable porosity, high surface area, and diverse functionalities. These robust materials offer significant advantages over conventional ones due to their remarkable efficiency and selectivity in removing both organic as well as inorganic contaminants. Furthermore, MOF-based composites and nanoconfined architectures have extended application horizons. Despite the usefulness of MOFs in water treatment, challenges such as cost-effectiveness, scalability, long term stability, and reusability remain the key concern. This review focuses on the recent developments in MOF-based materials for water purification, emphasizing structural modifications, underlying mechanisms, and emerging trends. Additionally, it highlights critical challenges and future perspective, discussing the requirement of sustainable regeneration strategies and improved synthesis approaches. Ongoing efforts to counter the vulnerability of MOFs will lead to revolutionizing water remediation by employing selective, efficient, and regeneratable adsorbents, thereby contributing to global efforts of protecting the environment.