Metal-organic frameworks for the control and management of air quality: advances and future direction

Recently, the potential role of metal-organic framework (MOFs) and porous coordination polymers (PCPs) has been recognized in the field of air quality management (AQM) due to their intrinsically tunable chemical structure and multifunctional properties which afforded significant enhancements in adsorption capacities, catalytic degradation, and removal of diverse airborne pollutants and other vapors. A diverse range of MOFs was investigated for separation, capture, and storage of greenhouse gases and other pollutants (including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), sulfur compounds, and chemical warfare agents (CWAs)). It should however be noted that some drawbacks of MOFs are also found such as: poor selectivity, high energy and fiscal cost, low capacity, and difficulties in regeneration. Here, we provide an up-to-date review on the promising role of MOFs in the field of AQM in relation to the diverse available synthesis methods. As such, we hope to provide future directions such that MOFs/PCPs can make a bright contribution to air quality control.