Elaborating the knowledge structure and emerging research in the utilization of metal–organic formwork in engineering applications: A scientometric analysis from 2004 to 2024

• Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with broad utility across engineering fields, including energy storage, environmental remediation, biomedicine, and sensing technologies. • Bibliometric analysis focuses primarily on energy and environmental applications, substantial international collaboration, and the rapid growth of interdisciplinary research. • Keyword analysis uncovers underexplored applications suggesting new research directions and innovations. • Highly cited reports highlighting MOF contributions to enhancing cementitious materials, wastewater treatment, and battery technologies. • Emphasizing scalable synthesis, robust testing protocols, and interdisciplinary collaboration to address global engineering challenges through MOF research. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as versatile materials with broad applications in engineering, from energy storage and environmental remediation to biomedical and sensing technologies. This study combines bibliometric analysis with an in-depth review of selected highly cited papers to examine MOF applications across multiple disciplines. The bibliometric analysis highlights significant research trends, including a dominant focus on energy and environmental engineering, a solid international collaboration, and the rapid growth of interdisciplinary applications. The keyword analysis identifies underexplored areas such as biomedicine, sensing, and unconventional uses like smart textiles and agriculture, highlighting potential directions for future research. Selected papers reveal key findings in fields such as energy storage, chemical engineering, and civil engineering. Applications range from enhancing cementitious materials to improving wastewater treatment and advancing battery technologies. Recommendations emphasize scalable synthesis methods, enhanced testing protocols, and interdisciplinary collaboration to address identified gaps. This study provides a roadmap for advancing MOF research and industrial implementation by aligning bibliometric findings with research recommendations. Future efforts should focus on expanding MOF applications, addressing scalability challenges, and integrating novel testing methods to maximize their potential in solving global engineering challenges.