Exploring the potential of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for wastewater treatments via membrane separation and adsorption: a review

Membranes based on metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are effective in removing heavy metal ions and organic matter from aqueous solutions. They are favored for their low energy requirements, ease of operation, and convenient maintenance. Since MOFs are a special kind of hybrid material, they should open up new possibilities for wastewater treatment (WWTs). This review highlights the emerging field of MOFs for wastewater treatment, focusing on their potential as both adsorbents and building blocks for advanced MOF-based membranes capable of removing various toxic compounds and contaminants. This review further explores the mechanisms behind MOF-based membranes hired in diverse filtration techniques. These techniques, consisting of ultrafiltration (UF), reverse osmosis (RO), microfiltration (MF), nanofiltration (NF), forward osmosis (FO), and ultrafiltration (UF), strive to separate contaminants conferring to their size and membrane porosity. The focus here is on understanding how MOF properties influence these separation processes. This research indicates that MOF-based membranes might end up becoming the most widely used separation components in the next generation.