Metal-organic frameworks: The next-generation adsorbents for the sustainable remediation of aquatic pollutants

To date, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have evolved to be a new advanced class of porous materials, with fascinating properties not found in conventional porous materials. MOFs could be tailor-made with impressive performance for the adsorptive uptakes of a variety of water pollutants. This chapter will critically highlight the unique roles of MOF-based adsorbents for the innovative purification of water contaminants. Both organic and inorganic, and both traditional and emerging contaminants of rising concern, will be thoroughly discussed. While a compilation of major findings is presented, the novel characteristics and exceptional performance of MOFs would be specifically outlined and benchmarked against different commercial adsorbents. To facilitate the fundamental understanding, the adsorptive behavior will be matched to the textural features, chemical functionalities, framework stability, and effects of surface modification. Finally, the synergistic enhancement of MOF composites, reusability potential, improvement opportunities, future prospects, and challenges of the topic will be deeply elucidated.