Metal-Organic Frameworks for Wastewater Remediation: Sustainable Synthesis, Properties, and Applications

Abstract

The rapid growth of industrial development and intensified agriculture has resulted in the accumulation of a wide range of hazardous pollutants in water systems. Several conventional wastewater treatment methods, including flocculation and coagulation, photocatalysis, membrane systems, and adsorption, have been shown to be efficient and limited in their ability to remediate harmful contaminants. However, the rate of achievement observed with all of these methods is frequently connected with the effectiveness and sustainability of the wastewater treatment materials utilized. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as a promising solution, offering diverse morphological and chemical properties, such as high surface areas, pore volumes, and tailored regions. This present review focuses on the structural characteristics of MOFs, including surface area, porosity, thermal stability, and adaptability. Sustainable synthesis methods and the applications of MOFs in wastewater treatment through adsorption and photocatalysis of pollutants like dyes, heavy metals, and organic contaminants are discussed. Finally, the existing challenges and limitations of MOF-based wastewater treatment are addressed, and future research prospects are outlined. The unique properties of MOFs make them promising materials for extensive applications, with significant potential for industrial prospects.

Keywords: heavy metals adsorption; metal‐organic frameworks; organic pollutants removals; sustainable synthesis; wastewater remediation.