Advancements of metal-organic frameworks for atmospheric water harvesting and climate control

The critical issues of water scarcity in arid regions and the need for energy-efficient climate control solutions highlight the importance of developing alternative water resources. The development and integration of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) into devices for atmospheric water harvesting (AWH), heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and indoor humidity control has been the focus of extensive research. MOFs, renowned for their exceptional adsorption capacities and tunable properties, offer significant improvements over traditional adsorbents such as silica gel and zeolites. Recent advancements have produced water-stable MOFs with enhanced adsorption properties, opening new avenues for effective water harvesting and energy conservation. MOF-based AWH devices can substantially enhance water supply in arid regions, while their integration into HVAC systems can improve energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and humidity control. However, challenges such as ensuring long-term stability, scalability, and managing energy consumption in active systems persist. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent MOF advancements, practical implementation strategies, and a roadmap for future research. It aims to guide researchers in developing sustainable, cost-effective solutions for scaling up MOF-based technologies in water and climate control systems, thereby addressing critical environmental and resource challenges globally. • Recent advancements in MOFs for atmospheric water harvesting are discussed. • New MOF materials that capture water contaminants are highlighted. • Practical applications of MOFs in HVAC and indoor humidity control are explored. • A roadmap for future MOF research and application is provided.