Recent Advances in MOF-Based Adsorbents for Dye Removal from the Aquatic Environment

The adsorptive removal of dyes from industrial wastewater using commercially available adsorbents is not significantly efficient. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) offer outstanding properties which can boost the separation performance over current commercial adsorbents and hence, these materials represent a milestone in improving treatment methods for dye removal from water. Accordingly, in this paper, the recent studies in the modification of MOF structures in dye removal from the aquatic environment have been discussed. This study aims to elaborate on the synthetic strategies applied to improve the adsorption efficiency and to discuss the major adsorption mechanisms as well as the most influential parameters in the adsorptive removal of dyes using MOFs. More particularly, the advanced separation performance of MOF-based adsorbents will be comprehensively explained. The introduction of various functional groups and nanomaterials, such as amine functional groups, magnetic nanoparticles, and carbon-based materials such as graphene oxide and CNT, onto the MOFs can alter the removal efficiency of MOF-based adsorbents through enhancing the water stability, dispersion in water, interactions between the MOF structure and the contaminant, and the adsorption capacity. Finally, we summarize the challenges experienced by MOF-based materials for dye removal from water and propose future research outlooks to be considered.

Automated summary

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are efficient materials for the adsorptive removal of dyes from industrial wastewater, offering improved separation performance and significant potential for enhancing treatment methods. This paper discusses recent studies on the modification of MOF structures for dye removal, focusing on synthesis strategies to improve adsorption efficiency and examining key adsorption mechanisms and influential parameters. The advanced separation performance of MOF-based adsorbents is comprehensively explained, with the introduction of various functional groups and nanomaterials altering removal efficiency through enhancing water stability, dispersion, interactions, and adsorption capacity.