Recent advance of macroscopic metal-organic frameworks for water treatment: A review

The ultra-high specific surface area and adjustable porosity of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have great application potential in removing contaminants in water. However, due to the powdery microcrystalline structure of MOFs, there were many problems in practical applications, such as blockage of pipes, secondary pollution, short service life, etc. Therefore, shaping the MOFs material of the microcrystalline structure into a macroscopic structure to overcome the above problems was an essential step in the application at the industrial level. In this review, the synthesis strategies of various forms macroscopic MOFs, such as beads, fibers, and aerogels, were systematically summarized. Since the process of macroscopic MOF for the practical wastewater treatment applications lags, we reviewed the removal efficiency, eliminate mechanism and possible influencing factors of macroscopic MOFs from four aspects (removal of oils and organic solvents; removal of dyes from contaminated waters; removal of heavy metal ions; Brackish water and seawater desalination). This study was intended to highlight some of the recent trends in industrial scale application of macroscopic MOFs materials.

Automated summary

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with ultra-high specific surface area and adjustable porosity have significant application potential in water contaminant removal. However, the powdery microcrystalline structure of MOFs poses challenges in practical applications, such as pipe blockage, secondary pollution, and short service life. This review systematically summarizes the synthesis strategies of macroscopic MOFs in various forms, including beads, fibers, and aerogels. Furthermore, the removal efficiency, elimination mechanism, and influencing factors of macroscopic MOFs in practical wastewater treatment applications are reviewed from four aspects: oil and organic solvent removal, dye removal from contaminated waters, heavy metal ion removal, and brackish water and seawater desalination. This study aims to highlight recent trends in the industrial-scale application of macroscopic MOFs materials.