Alkenyl/Thiol‐Derived Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) by Means of Postsynthetic Modification for Effective Mercury Adsorption

Design and application of metal organic frameworks for heavy metals adsorption in water: a review

The growing apprehension surrounding heavy metal pollution in both environmental and industrial contexts has spurred extensive research into adsorption materials aimed at efficient remediation. Among these materials, Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) have risen as versatile and promising contenders due to their adjustable properties, expansive surface areas, and sustainable characteristics, compared to traditional options like activated carbon and zeolites. This exhaustive review delves into the synthesis techniques, structural diversity, and adsorption capabilities of MOFs for the effective removal of heavy metals. The article explores the evolution of MOF design and fabrication methods, highlighting pivotal parameters influencing their adsorption performance, such as pore size, surface area, and the presence of functional groups. In this perspective review, a thorough analysis of various MOFs is presented, emphasizing the crucial role of ligands and metal nodes in adapting MOF properties for heavy metal removal. Moreover, the review delves into recent advancements in MOF-based composites and hybrid materials, shedding light on their heightened adsorption capacities, recyclability, and potential for regeneration. Challenges for optimization, regeneration efficiency and minimizing costs for large-scale applications are discussed.

Detection and Sorption of Heavy Metal Ions in Aqueous Media by a Fluorescent Zr(IV) Metal-Organic Framework Functionalized with 2-Picolylamine Receptor Groups

Increasing global environmental pollution due to heavy metal ions raises the importance of research on new multifunctional materials for simultaneous detection and removal of these contaminants from water resources. In this study, we report a microporous 8-connected Zr⁴⁺ metal-organic framework (MOF) based on a terephthalate ligand decorated with a chelating 2-picolylamine side group (dMOR-2), which shows highly efficient fluorescence sensing and sorption of heavy metal cations. We demonstrate by detailed fluorescence studies the ability of a water-dispersible composite of dMOR-2 with polyvinylpyrrolidone for real-time detection of Cu²⁺, Pb²⁺, and Hg²⁺ in aqueous media. The limits of detection were found to be below 2 ppb for these species, while the system's performance is not affected by the presence of other potentially competitive ions. In addition, sorption studies showed that a composite of dMOR-2 with calcium alginate (dMOR-2@CaA) is an excellent sorbent for Pb²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions with capacities of 376 ± 15 and 117 ± 4 mg per gram of dMOR-2@CaA, respectively, while displaying the capability for simultaneous removal of various heavy metal ions in low initial concentrations and in the presence of large excesses of other cationic species. Structural and spectroscopic studies with model ligands analogous to our material's receptor unit showed chelation to the 2-picolylamine moiety to be the main binding mode of metal ions to dMOR-2. Overall, dMOR-2 is shown to represent a rare example of a MOF, which combines sensitive fluorescence detection and high sorption capacity for heavy metal ions.

MIL series of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) as novel adsorbents for heavy metals in water: A review

With large specific surface area, abundant adsorption sites, flexible pore structure, and good water stability, Materials of Institute Lavoisier frameworks (MILs) have attracted increasing attention as effective environmental adsorbents. This review systematically analyzes and recapitulates recent progress in the synthesis and application of MIL-based adsorbents for the removal of aqueous heavy metal ions. Commonly used solvothermal, microwave, electrochemical, ultrasonic, and mechanochemical syntheses of MILs are first summarized and compared. Instead of focusing on adsorption process parameters, adsorption performances and governing mechanisms of virgin MILs, functional MILs, MIL-based composites, and carbonized MILs to representative metal(loid) ions (chromium, arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury) in water under various conditions are then systematically reviewed and discussed. In the end, this work also outlines prospects and future directions to promote the applications of MILs in treating heavy metal contaminated water.

Direct sulfhydryl ligand derived UiO-66 for the removal of aqueous mercury and its subsequent application as a catalyst for transfer vinylation

The treatment of mercury pollutants in water has been wide concern. Adsorption is a promising method for mercury removal that has been extensively studied. Nevertheless, the secondary application of the immobilized Hg is seldom investigated. In this paper, the Hg adsorption behavior of UiO-66 bearing sulfhydryl groups is studied. The research shows that the porous structure and sulfhydryl groups of UiO-66-SH can effectively promote the removal of mercury from water. In addition, this work also pushes forward the sequential application of the recovered adsorbent, which contains the adsorbed mercury that may cause secondary pollution. The recovered waste adsorbent, UiO-66-S-Hg, was successfully used as an efficient catalyst for transfer vinylation, which produces value-added products, vinyl benzoates. Eight vinyl esters have been successfully synthesized with a yield of up to 89%. This methodology provides a promising way for not only the treatment of mercury contamination, but also secondary pollution protection and the resource utilization of immobilized Hg.

Fabrication of synergistic sites on an oxygen-rich covalent organic framework for efficient removal of Cd(II) and Pb(II) from water

A key matter in heavy metal removal technology is to develop the adsorbents with efficient adsorption sites. In this study, an oxygen-rich covalent organic framework (JUC-505) was functionalized by carboxyl (-COOH) groups to form synergetic effects aiming for the removal of Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions. JUC-505-COOH shows a high Cd(II) uptake of 504 mg⋅g^-1 surpassing most of the reported porous adsorbents. Meanwhile, the kinetics study shows a rapid adsorption process at a high initial concentration (100 mg⋅L^-1), and the equilibrium can be reached within 5 min. We investigated the adsorption mechanism in-depth by density functional theory calculations, proving the synergistic effects of surface complexation and hydrogen-bond, which are from the post-modified -COOH groups and the in-situ oxygen atoms of JUC-505, respectively. Moreover, under the interference of common ions in natural water, the removal efficiency of Cd(II) is almost insusceptible, which sheds lights on the potential for the application in the natural water purification. In addition, the Pb(II) uptake (559 mg⋅g^-1) and the adsorption kinetics also surpass most of the reported porous adsorbents.

Magnetically recyclable core–shell MOF nanoparticles of Fe3O4@PDA@UIO-66-NH2 grafted by organic acids for intensified cationic dye adsorption

The adsorption mechanism towards MB by the two adsorbents is mainly due to IE at lower solution pH and EA at higher solution pH than their pHpzc.

Applications of water-stable metal-organic frameworks in the removal of water pollutants: A review

Because the pollutants produced by human activities have destroyed the ecological balance of natural water environment, and caused severe impact on human life safety and environmental security. Hence the task of water environment restoration is imminent. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), structured from organic ligands and inorganic metal ions, are notable for their outstanding crystallinity, diverse structures, large surface areas, adsorption performance, and excellent component tunability. The water stability of MOFs is a key requisite for their possible actual applications in separation, catalysis, adsorption, and other water environment remediation areas because it is necessary to safeguard the integrity of the material structure during utilization. In this article, we comprehensively review state-of-the-art research progress on the promising potential of MOFs as excellent nanomaterials to remove contaminants from the water environment. Firstly, the fundamental characteristics and preparation methods of several typical water-stable MOFs include UiO, MIL, and ZIF are introduced. Then, the removal property and mechanism of heavy metal ions, radionuclide contaminants, drugs, and organic dyes by different MOFs were compared. Finally, the application prospect of MOFs in pollutant remediation prospected. In this review, the synthesis methods and application in water pollutant removal are explored, which provide ways toward the effective use of water-stable MOFs in materials design and environmental remediation.

Recent advances in the application of water-stable metal-organic frameworks: Adsorption and photocatalytic reduction of heavy metal in water

Heavy metals pollution in water is a global environmental issue, which has threatened the human health and environment. Thus, it is important to remove them under practical water environment. In recent years, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with water-stable properties have attracted wide interest with regard to the capture of hazardous heavy metal ions in water. In this review, the synthesis strategy and postsynthesis modification preparation methods are first summarized for water-stable MOFs (WMOFs), and then the recent advances on the adsorption and photocatalytic reduction of heavy metal ions in water by WMOFs are reviewed. In contrast to the conventional adsorption materials, WMOFs not only have excellent adsorption properties, but also lead to photocatalytic reduction of heavy metal ions. WMOFs have coupling and synergistic effects on the adsorption and photocatalysis of heavy metal ions in water, which make it more effective in treating single pollutants or different pollutants. In addition, by introducing appropriate functional groups into MOFs or synthesizing MOF-based composites, the stability and ability to remove heavy metal ions of MOFs can be effectively enhanced. Although WMOFs and WMOF-based composites have made great progress in removing heavy metal ions from water, they still face many problems and challenges, and their application potential needs to be further improved in future research. Finally, this review aims at promoting the development and practical application of heavy metal ions removal in water by WMOFs.

Functionalized Metal-Organic Frameworks for Hg(II) and Cd(II) Capture: Progresses and Challenges

Mercury and cadmium are deemed to be the most harmful heavy metal ions for elimination due to their persistent bio-accumulative and bio-expanding toxic effects. Although many technologies have been developed for capturing Hg(II) and Cd(II) ions from aqueous solution, developing efficient and practical capature technology remains a big challenge. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been considered as the most promising adsorbents for Hg(II) and Cd(II) removal due to their high porosity and easy functionalization, and various of MOF-based adsorbents based on different synthetic strategies have been prepared and studied. In this article, the progresses of MOF-based absorbents for Hg(II) and Cd(II) capture are described according to the synthetic strategies and the types of functional groups, and the comparison and practical analysis of various adsorbents are also presented.

Syntheses of a series of lanthanide metal–organic frameworks for efficient UV-light-driven dye degradation: experiment and simulation

Three Ln-MOFs show unique 3,8-connected 3D networks and have been used as photocatalysts for the degradation of organic dye methyl violet under UV light.

Iminodiacetic acid-functionalized porous polymer for removal of toxic metal ions from water

The design of efficient adsorbent with abundant binding sites for heavy metal ions is crucial for developing innovative materials that will remove pollutant metal ions. The high uptake capacity, kinetics, and affinity towards the toxic metals are the key requirements that the materials under invesigation should accomplish. Here we report the synthesis of iminodiacetic acid-functionalized hypercrosslinked polymer (IDA-HCP) for purification of water polluted by toxic metal ions via coordination of carboxylate and amino active sites on the surface of porous polymer. The obtained porous polymer is stable under harsh conditions and the structural features on the polymer work together to help the removal of Pb(II) with 1138 mg g^-1 uptake capacity. In the meanwhile, the IDA-HCP reveals reuseability and very promising capture efficiency not only for Pb²⁺, but also for Hg²⁺ and Cd²⁺ from a mixture of Pb²⁺, Hg²⁺, Cd²⁺, Co²⁺, Fe³⁺, Zn²⁺, Mg²⁺, and Na⁺ metal ions. This result gives us confidence that the polymer material can solve the pollution problem caused by various metal ions.

A critical review on recent developments in MOF adsorbents for the elimination of toxic heavy metals from aqueous solutions

Effective and substantial remediation of contaminants especially heavy metals from water is still a big challenge in terms of both environmental and biological perspectives because of their adverse effects on the human health. Many techniques including adsorption, ion exchange, co-precipitation, chemical reduction, ultrafiltration, etc. are reported for eliminating heavy metal ions from the water. However, adsorption has preferred because of its simple and easy handlings. Several types of adsorbents are observed and documented well for the purpose. Recently, highly porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) were developed by incorporating metals and organic ligands together and claimed as potent adsorbents for the remediation of highly toxic heavy metals from the aqueous solutions due to their unique features like greater surface area, high chemical stability, green and reuse material, etc. In this review, the authors discussed systematically some recent developments about secure MOFs to eliminate the toxic metals such as arsenic (both arsenite and arsenate), chromium(VI), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb). MOFs are observed as the most efficient adsorbents with greater selectivity as well as high adsorption capacity for metallic contamination. Graphical abstract.

Metal-organic frameworks based adsorbents: A review from removal perspective of various environmental contaminants from wastewater

Rapidly increasing water contamination has turned into a major threat globally. The pollutants such as organic and inorganic compounds, heavy metals, and biological organisms are among the major contributor to water pollution. Therefore, the removal of these contaminants has attracted the researchers a lot. Various methodologies are being carried out for the purpose. Among them, the metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with several active sites and tailorable porous architectures as adsorbents or photocatalytic removal agents is a fast-growing class of coordination chemistry to remove these agents from water. To date, numerous approaches dealing with water treatment including conservative and advanced technologies have been presented. This article thoroughly reviews the application of MOFs toward how to remove the toxic agents from water. The leading objective is to present up-to-date information and references regarding MOFs based materials toward wastewater treatment applications.

Two-Step Elution Recovery of Cyanide Platinum Using Functional Metal Organic Resin

A novel functional ion-exchange/adsorption metal organic resin (MOR), TEBAC-HKUST-1, was prepared and characterized. Ethanedithiol was used as the grafting agent to introduce thiol groups onto HKUST-1, and 4-vinylbenzyl chloride was then grafted onto SH-HKUST-1 using thiol groups. Finally, the quaternary ammonium functional group was immobilized onto the carrier by performing a quaternization reaction. The structure and property of TEBAC-HKUST-1 MOR were characterized by TGA, N₂ adsorption–desorption, FTIR, SEM, and XRD. TEBAC-HKUST-1 MOR was used to remove metal cyanide complexes from wastewater. The adsorption was rapid, and the metal cyanide complexes including Pt(CN)₄²⁻, Co(CN)₆³⁻, Cu(CN)₃²⁻, and Fe(CN)₆³⁻ were removed in 30 min. TEBAC-HKUST-1 MOR exhibited a high stability in neutral and weak basic aqueous solutions. Furthermore, Pt(II) could be efficiently recovered through two-step elution. The recovery rate of Pt(II) for five cycles were over 92.0% in the mixture solution containing Pt(CN)₄²⁻, Co(CN)₆³⁻, Cu(CN)₃²⁻, and Fe(CN)₆³⁻. The kinetic data were best fitted with the pseudo second-order model. Moreover, the isothermal data were best fitted with the Langmuir model. The thermodynamic results show that the adsorption is a spontaneous and exothermic process. TEBAC-HKUST-1 MOR not only exhibited excellent ability for the rapid removal of metal cyanide complexes, but also provided a new idea for the extraction of noble metals from cyanide-contaminated water.

Metal-organic frameworks for aquatic arsenic removal

Effective remediation of arsenic contaminated water remains a critical task from the environmental perspective, owing to the harmful effects of arsenic on human health and the environment. Recently, highly porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with excellent chemical stability and abundant functional groups represent a significant new addition to the area of capturing aquatic arsenic pollutants. This review focuses on the development of MOF-based materials for the efficient removal of toxic arsenic species from aqueous solutions. Aspects related to the materials' characteristics, application performance and interaction mechanisms are systematically studied, referencing the macroscopic experimental behaviors and microscopic spectroscopy analyses. The properties of various MOF-based materials are assessed and compared with those of other conventionally used materials. At last, insights and perspectives are suggested in terms of future research directions and development challenges. Overall, this class of materials demonstrates a promising potential for aquatic arsenic removal, and with a proper up-scaling development might it be used for practical applications in the near future.

Visible-light-mediated guest trapping in a photosensitizing porous coordination network: metal-free C–C bond-forming modification of metal–organic frameworks for aqueous-phase herbicide adsorption

Metal-free visible-light-mediated C–C bond-forming modification of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) for aqueous-phase herbicide adsorption.

Water-stable metal-organic frameworks for aqueous removal of heavy metals and radionuclides: A review

Heavy metals and radionuclides in water are a global environmental issue, which has been receiving considerable attention worldwide. Water-stable MOFs are green and recyclable materials to eliminate the environmental impacts caused by the hazardous heavy metal ions and radionuclides in water. This paper presents a systematical review on the current status of water-stable MOFs that capture and convert a wide range of heavy metal ions (e.g., As(III)/As(V), Pb(II), Hg(II), Cd(II), and Cr(III)/Cr(VI)) and radionuclides (e.g., U(VI), Se(IV)/Se(VI) and Cs(I)) in aqueous solution. Water-stable MOFs and MOF-based composites exhibit the superior adsorption capability for these metal species in water. Significantly, MOFs show high selectivity in capturing target metal ions even in the presence of multiple water constituents. Mechanisms involved in capturing metal ions are described. MOFs also have excellent catalytic performance (photocatalysis and catalytic reduction by formic acid) for Cr(VI) conversion to Cr(III). Future research is suggested to provide insightful guidance to enhance the performance of the MOFs in capturing target pollutants in aquatic environment.

Introduction of Molecular Building Blocks to Improve the Stability of Metal-Organic Frameworks for Efficient Mercury Removal

With expanding human needs, many heavy metals were mined, smelted, processed, and manufactured for commercialization, which caused serious environmental pollutions. Currently, many adsorption materials are applied in the field of adsorption of heavy metals. Among them, the principle of many mercury adsorbents is based on the interaction between mercury and sulfur. Here, a S-containing metal-organic framework NENU-400 was synthesized for effective mercury extraction. Unfortunately, the skeleton of NENU-400 collapsed easily when exposed to the mercury liquid solution. To improve the stability, a synthetic strategy installing molecular building blocks (MBBs) into the channels was used. Modified by the MBBs, a more stable nanoporous framework was synthesized, which not only exhibits a high capacity of saturation mercury uptake but also shows high selectivity and efficient recyclability.

Metal-organic framework-based materials: superior adsorbents for the capture of toxic and radioactive metal ions

Highly efficient removal of metal ion pollutants, such as toxic and nuclear waste-related metal ions, remains a serious task from the biological and environmental standpoint because of their harmful effects on human health and the environment. Recently, highly porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), with excellent chemical stability and abundant functional groups, have represented a new addition to the area of capturing various types of hazardous metal ion pollutants. This review focuses on recent progress in reported MOFs and MOF-based composites as superior adsorbents for the efficient removal of toxic and nuclear waste-related metal ions. Aspects related to the interaction mechanisms between metal ions and MOF-based materials are systematically summarized, including macroscopic batch experiments, microscopic spectroscopy analysis, and theoretical calculations. The adsorption properties of various MOF-based materials are assessed and compared with those of other widely used adsorbents. Finally, we propose our personal insights into future research opportunities and challenges in the hope of stimulating more researchers to engage in this new field of MOF-based materials for environmental pollution management.

Luminescent Lanthanide MOFs: A Unique Platform for Chemical Sensing

In recent years, lanthanide metal-organic frameworks (LnMOFs) have developed to be an interesting subclass of MOFs. The combination of the characteristic luminescent properties of Ln ions with the intriguing topological structures of MOFs opens up promising possibilities for the design of LnMOF-based chemical sensors. In this review, we present the most recent developments of LnMOFs as chemical sensors by briefly introducing the general luminescence features of LnMOFs, followed by a comprehensive investigation of the applications of LnMOF sensors for cations, anions, small molecules, nitroaromatic explosives, gases, vapors, pH, and temperature, as well as biomolecules.

Sonochemical synthesis and structural characterization of a new nanostructured Co(II) supramolecular coordination polymer with Lewis base sites as a new catalyst for Knoevenagel condensation

A new Co(II) mixed-ligand coordination supramolecular polymer with composition [Co₂(ppda)(4-bpdh)₂(NO₃)₂]_n (1) (where, ppda=p-phenylenediacrylic acid, 4-bpdh=2,5-bis(4-pyridyl)-3,4-diaza-2,4-hexadiene) was synthesized using solvothermal, mechanochemical and sonochemical methods. Compound 1 and the new nanostructure have been characterized by single-crystal X-ray, infrared spectroscopy (IR), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The thermal stability of compound 1 was also studied by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The surface area of these compounds was determined by BET. The single-crystal X-ray data shows a new interesting two-dimensional coordination polymer (CP). In addition, the effect of various sonication concentrations of initial reagents, power of ultrasound irradiation and also the time on the size and morphology of nano-structured coordination polymer 1 were evaluated. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that the nanostructure of the CP1 can be used as a catalyst in Knoevenagel condensation reaction.

Effective Removal of Chromium(III) from Low Concentration Aqueous Solution Using a Novel Diazene/Methoxy-Laced Coordination Polymer

In this study, a novel coordination polymer [CdL₂(H₂O)0.5]n (1), [HL = 4-(2-(4-((pyridin-3-yl)methoxy)phenyl)diazenyl)benzoic acid] was fabricated via an in situ ligand transformation reaction under solvothermal conditions. The as-prepared polymer exhibited a selectivity and efficiency for Cr(III) removal with a high uptake capacity of 106.13 mg·g-1. Interestingly, even in the low concentration (0.02⁻0.20 ppm), it still performs a relatively high efficiency (≥ 92.5%) towards the removal of Cr(III) in aqueous solution. Remarkably, it also presents good selectivity and high efficiency (93.3%) for Cr(III) removal in the presences of interfering metal ions. The good removal performance for Cr(III) was demonstrated to be a structure-dependent chemical process between polymer and Cr(III) involving the diazene and methoxy groups in polymer 1, which happened not only on the surfaces of the adsorbent but also in the pores of polymer, giving rise to a strong affinity toward Cr(III) adsorption. The possible adsorption mechanism of Cr(III) was proposed and systematically verified by FT-IR, scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) measurements.

A Ni-based MOF for selective detection and removal of Hg2+ in aqueous medium: a facile strategy

A Ni-based 3D MOF, [Ni(3-bpd)₂(NCS)₂]_n, where 3-bpd is 1,4-bis(3-pyridyl)-2,3-diaza-1,3-butadiene, has been explored for simultaneous detection and removal of Hg²⁺ in aqueous medium with excellent Hg uptake capacity.

A regenerative metal-organic framework for reversible uptake of Cd(ii): from effective adsorption to in situ detection

An extraordinary metal-organic framework FJI-H9 with high adsorption and selectivity for the reversible uptake of Cd(ii) has been developed. Further research indicates that such high absorption results from an unusual synergy from active sites and the confined cavity. In addition, fast detection of Cd(ii) at low concentrations down to 10 ppm and in situ reconstruction of the used framework into a fresh one have also been successfully achieved.

Post-synthetic metalation in an anionic MOF for efficient catalytic activity and removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solution

An anionic MOF shows the potential to capture toxic metal ions from water and the Cu^II@AMOF hybrid obtained through post-synthetic metalation is used as a Lewis acid catalyst.