Adsorptive removal of emerging organic micro pollutants (EOMPs) from water using metal organic frameworks (MOFs): A review

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have become a focal point of scientific interest due to their exceptional promise as adsorbents. Their appeal stems from a unique ability to be finely customized, offering a level of tunability that surpasses conventional materials used for adsorption. These include extensive pore volume and surface area, precisely controlled pore size and structure, and excellent reusability. This review explores various synthetic approaches to MOFs, including both liquid-phase methods (such as solvothermal and hydrothermal) and solid-phase methods (such as mechanochemical). It also examines different modification strategies aimed at enhancing MOF performance, including direct synthesis with functional groups and post-synthesis modification techniques. This review proceeds to evaluate the efficacy of MOFs for eliminating a diverse array of emerging organic micropollutants (EOMPs) from aqueous solutions. The scope of this assessment includes but is not limited to pharmaceuticals, personal care products (PPCPs), pesticides, and various other organic contaminants. Examples of high-performing MOFs and their removal efficiencies for different EOMPs will be provided. Finally, the review thoroughly discusses the various mechanisms involved in EOMP adsorption onto MOFs, including electrostatic interactions, π-π interactions, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic effects. This work serves as a helpful introduction for emerging researchers interested in MOF adsorbents and their role in environmental remediation.