Application of Metal-Organic Frameworks for the Adsorptive Extraction of Heavy Metals from Contaminated Water

The water pollution caused by heavy metals has become a significant environmental issue in modern cities. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have demonstrated outstanding potential as advanced adsorbents for the selective removal of heavy metals from aqueous systems. The utilization of MOFs characterized by their unique structures and properties, for the adsorption of heavy metals from wastewater has garnered significant attention from researchers. This capability is primarily from their adjustable structural configurations and unique surface chemical properties. By considering toxic metals such as Hg (II), Pb (II), As (III/V), and Cr (VI), this paper explores targeted structural design strategies based on the characteristics of MOFs to achieve efficient and selective capture. The research analyzes the adsorption mechanisms from both physical and chemical perspectives, including π-π interaction, electrostatic interactions, and functional group-specific recognition. Additionally, this paper also deeply discusses the optimization of performance parameters, engineering implementation paths, and comprehensive analysis of the environmental and biological hazards, while elaborating on the advantages and mechanisms of heavy metal adsorption by MOFs materials, also some key challenges like structural stability and scalability faced by MOFs in real-world applications.