Advances and Future Perspectives of Zeolite Materials: Bridging the Structure-function Relationship for Environmental and Industrial Applications

Zeolites, due to their unique microporous structure, high thermal stability, and outstanding ion-exchange capabilities, have long served as versatile materials in various environmental, catalytic, and industrial sectors. However, the current research landscape remains fragmented, often isolating structure-function relationships within narrow application domains. This review offers a critical and integrative synthesis of recent advances in zeolite science, focusing on how structural engineering strategies-such as hierarchical pore design, surface functionalization, and ion exchange tuning-improve application-specific performance. Emphasis is placed on the role of structural modifications in overcoming mass transport limitations, enhancing adsorption selectivity, and facilitating catalytic activity for sustainable technologies. Applications discussed include heavy metal removal, ammonium recovery, volatile organic compound (VOC) mitigation, and carbon dioxide capture, with additional insights into emerging areas such as solid waste stabilization and resource recovery. By bridging structural features with multifunctional applications, this review not only identifies current gaps in the literature but also charts future directions for the rational design of next-generation zeolite materials. The findings highlight the critical role of engineered zeolites in addressing global challenges in environmental protection, energy transition, and sustainable development.