Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and their applications in detection, conversion, and depletion of nitroaromatic pollutants

As major threats to the environment, nitroaromatics have been found in large quantities in the effluents from various chemical industries as consequence of global industrialization. Therefore, their rapid detection and catalytic transformation to safer entities has garnered immense attention. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are highly porous crystalline networks resulting from coordination polymerization and comprise metal ions/clusters and organic ligands in one-, two- and three-dimensional structures; they can be applied in the detection, catalytic conversion, and depletion of nitroaromatics. In this context, the focus has lately shifted towards the synthesis of greener nano-MOFs (NMOFs) in aqueous media based on heterogeneous catalytic reactions to attain sustainable structures for nitroaromatics depletion. Herein, the most recent developments pertaining to the detection, conversion, and depletion of nitroaromatic pollutants using MOFs are deliberated. The synthesis of MOFs from a greener perspective is highlighted to meet sustainability objectives. The structural manipulation of greener NMOFs, via an array of transition metals and organic linkers coordinated in a network are underscored with hydrophobic or hydrophilic attributes and the ability of esterification and static quenching to enhance their efficiency for adsorption of pollutants. Major challenges associated with the sustainable and greener synthesis of NMOFs for the remediation of nitroaromatics are covered.