Heteroatom-doped MOFs as hybrid materials for the removal of organic pollutants

The pervasive contamination of aquatic environments by organic pollutants including dyes, antibiotics, phenols, and pesticides presents a pressing global challenge to both ecological and human health. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), owing to their exceptional surface area, tunable porosity, and chemical versatility, have emerged as promising candidates for water purification. However, conventional MOFs often suffer from poor structural stability and limited performance under practical conditions. Recent advances in heteroatom doping have opened new avenues for engineering MOFs with enhanced physicochemical properties, including improved robustness, higher adsorption capacity, and superior photocatalytic efficiency. This review systematically explores the role of heteroatom-doped MOFs as next-generation materials for the removal of organic contaminants from water. It begins by outlining the intrinsic properties and limitations of pristine MOFs, followed by a detailed examination of doping strategies including non-metal and metal dopants and their impact on MOF functionality. Emphasis is placed on the mechanistic understanding of adsorption and photocatalytic pathways facilitated by doped frameworks. In addition, critical challenges related to scalability, regeneration, and environmental safety are thoroughly assessed. The review concludes by highlighting future directions and design principles for the development of robust, selective, and sustainable MOF-based systems for advanced water treatment. Collectively, this work offers a timely and in-depth perspective on heteroatom-doped MOFs, paving the way for innovative solutions in environmental remediation. • MOFs: Versatile platforms for water purification. • Enhancing MOF performance via heteroatom doping. • Synthesis strategies for doped MOF materials. • Adsorption and photocatalysis for pollutant removal. • Challenges and future directions for doped MOFs.