Recent Advances of Metal–Organic Framework for Heavy Metal Ions Adsorption

Abstract

Heavy metal ion wastewater is a pressing and inescapable issue that is closely related to human health and ecological security due to its toxicity, carcinogenicity, and the unmanageable property of this type of wastewater. Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are a class of crystalline nanoporous materials with flexible designability and controllability, showing great potential in the field of adsorption and purification of heavy metals in wastewater. In this Perspective, we first discuss the harm of different heavy metal ions and briefly expound virtues of MOFs for pollutant adsorption. Then, we mainly summarize the recent advances in the construction of different metal-based MOFs (Zr-based, Zn-based, Co-based, Al-based, etc.) and their research progress in heavy metal ions adsorption. Furthermore, various types of MOF additives can often be effectively applied for heavy metal ion adsorption by functional modification or with other materials composition. Additionally, several commonly used adsorption kinetics and isotherm models are also detailed to help an in-depth understanding of the adsorption mechanism. Finally, the challenges and opportunities of MOFs for heavy metal ion adsorption are additionally discussed, and this review may provide new insight for other potential water purification applications.