Exploring a thiol-functionalized MOF for elimination of lead and cadmium from aqueous solution

Co-based metal-organic frameworks for enhanced nickel adsorption and its impact on nitrifying microbial activity

The release of nickel "Ni(II)" into aquatic environments is of great concern because of environmental and health issues. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are one of the most promising technologies for removing heavy metals from water. In this work, an octahedral Co-based MOF (Co-MOF) was synthesized with a high Ni(II) removal capacity (qmax of 1534.09 ± 45.49 mg g-1) in aqueous media. For the first time, the effect of Co-MOF alone and in co-exposure with Ni(II) on nitrifying microbial consortium was assessed using dynamic microrespirometry. A single concentration of Co-MOF had no significant effects on nitrifying microbial consortium, while the concentration of Ni(II) exerted non-competitive inhibition on the nitrifying microbial consortium with an IC50 of 1.67 ± 0.03 mg L-1. In addition, the theoretical speciation analysis showed a decrease of 40% of IC50 when the free Ni(II) concentration was considered. Co-exposure of Co-MOF and Ni(II) during the nitrifying process allowed us to conclude that Co-MOF is an effective adsorbent for Ni(II) and can be used to mitigate the inhibitory effects of nickel on nitrifying microbial consortia, which is crucial for maintaining the good operation of wastewater treatment and balance of nitrogen cycle.

Adsorptive removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions: Progress of adsorbents development and their effectiveness

Increased levels of heavy metals (HMs) in aquatic environments poses serious health and ecological concerns. Hence, several approaches have been proposed to eliminate/reduce the levels of HMs before the discharge/reuse of HMs-contaminated waters. Adsorption is one of the most attractive processes for water decontamination; however, the efficiency of this process greatly depends on the choice of adsorbent. Therefore, the key aim of this article is to review the progress in the development and application of different classes of conventional and emerging adsorbents for the abatement of HMs from contaminated waters. Adsorbents that are based on activated carbon, natural materials, microbial, clay minerals, layered double hydroxides (LDHs), nano-zerovalent iron (nZVI), graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), metal organic frameworks (MOFs), and zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) are critically reviewed, with more emphasis on the last four adsorbents and their nanocomposites since they have the potential to significantly boost the HMs removal efficiency from contaminated waters. Furthermore, the optimal process conditions to achieve efficient performance are discussed. Additionally, adsorption isotherm, kinetics, thermodynamics, mechanisms, and effects of varying adsorption process parameters have been introduced. Moreover, heavy metal removal driven by other processes such as oxidation, reduction, and precipitation that might concurrently occur in parallel with adsorption have been reviewed. The application of adsorption for the treatment of real wastewater has been also reviewed. Finally, challenges, limitations and potential areas for improvements in the adsorptive removal of HMs from contaminated waters are identified and discussed. Thus, this article serves as a comprehensive reference for the recent developments in the field of adsorptive removal of heavy metals from wastewater. The proposed future research work at the end of this review could help in addressing some of the key limitations facing this technology, and create a platform for boosting the efficiency of the adsorptive removal of heavy metals.

Enhanced adsorption and removal of Cd(II) from aqueous solution by amino-functionalized ZIF-8

Zeolite imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8), which is a special subgroup of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), was synthesized and modified by ethylenediamine (ZIF-8-EDA) to prepare an efficient adsorbent for the high sorption of Cd2+ ions from solution. The synthesized and modified ZIF-8 (ZIF-8-EDA) were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. The optimum conditions for dosage of adsorbent, initial ion concentration, pH, and contact time were 0.05 g/l, 50 mg/l, 6, and 60 min, respectively, for cadmium ion sorption from aqueous solutions with a removal efficiency of 89.7% for ZIF-8 and 93.5% for ZIF-8-EDA. Adsorption kinetics and equilibrium data were analyzed using the Langmuir and Freundlich equations. The Langmuir model fitted the equilibrium data better than the Freundlich model. According to the Langmuir equation, the maximum uptake for the cadmium ions was 294.11(mg/g). The calculated thermodynamic parameters (ΔG°, ΔH°, and ΔS°) indicated that the adsorption process was feasible, spontaneous, and endothermic at 20-50 °C. Based on the results, the amino functionalized ZIF-8 had improved adsorption performance due to the replacing of the starting linker with organic ligands that had effective functional groups, leading to chemical coordination due to the interaction of metal ions with the non-bonding pair of electrons on the N atoms of the amino functional group. The selectivity toward metal ion adsorption by ZIF-8-EDA was Cd2+ > Pb2+ > Ni2+‏.

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.

Highlights in Interface of Wastewater Treatment by Utilizing Metal Organic Frameworks: Purification and Adsorption Kinetics

Polluted water has become a concern for the scientific community as it causes many severe threats to living beings. Detection or removal of contaminants present in wastewater and attaining purity of water that can be used for various purposes are a primary responsibility. Different treatment methods have already been used for the purification of sewage. There is a need for low-cost, highly selective, and reusable materials that can efficiently remove pollutants or purify contaminated water. In this regard, MOFs have shown significant potential for applications such as supercapacitors, drug delivery, gas storage, pollutant adsorption, etc. The outstanding structural diversity, substantial surface areas, and adjustable pore sizes of MOFs make them superior candidates for wastewater treatment. This Review provides an overview of the interaction science and engineering (kinetic and thermodynamic aspects with interactions) underpinning MOFs for water purification. First, fundamental strategies for the synthesis methods of MOFs, different categories, and their applicability in wastewater treatment are summarized, followed by a detailed explanation of various interaction mechanisms. Finally, current challenges and future outlooks for research on MOF materials toward the adsorption of hazardous components are discussed. A new avenue for modifying their structural characteristics for the adsorption and separation of hazardous materials, which will undoubtedly direct future work, is also summarized.

Support Platform of Functionalized Sustainable Cellulose Self-Entanglement Monolithic Adsorbents for Efficient Adsorption of Cadmium(II) Ions

Serious water contamination induced by massive discharge of cadmium(II) ions is becoming an emergent environmental issue due to high toxicity and bioaccumulation; thus, it is extremely urgent to develop functional materials for effectively treating with Cd2+ from wastewater. Benefiting from abundant binding sites, simple preparation process, and adjustable structure, UiO-66-type metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) had emerged as promising candidates in heavy metal adsorption. Herein, monolithic UiO-66-(COOH)2-functionalized cellulose fiber (UCLF) adsorbents were simply fabricated by incorporating MOFs into cellulose membranes through physical blending and self-entanglement. A two-dimensional structure was facilely constructed by cellulose fibers from sustainable biomass agricultural waste, providing a support platform for the integration of eco-friendly UiO-66-(COOH)2 synthesized with lower temperature and toxicity solvent. Structure characterization and bath experiments were performed to determine operational conditions for the maximization of adsorption capacity, thereby bringing out an excellent adsorption capacity of 96.10 mg/g. UCLF adsorbent holding 10 wt % loadings of UiO-66-(COOH)2 (UCLF-2) exhibited higher adsorption capacity toward Cd2+ as compared to other related adsorbents. Based on kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamics, the adsorption behavior was spontaneous, exothermic, as well as monolayer chemisorption. Coordination and electrostatic attraction were perhaps mechanisms involved in the adsorption process, deeply unveiled by the effects of adsorbate solution pH and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Moreover, UCLF-2 adsorbent with good mechanical strength offered a structural guarantee for the successful implementation of practical applications. This study manifested the feasibility of UCLF adsorbents used for Cd2+ adsorption and unveiled a novel strategy to shape MOF materials for wastewater decontamination.

Functional MOF-Based Materials for Environmental and Biomedical Applications: A Critical Review

Over the last ten years, there has been a growing interest in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which are a unique category of porous materials that combine organic and inorganic components. MOFs have garnered significant attention due to their highly favorable characteristics, such as environmentally friendly nature, enhanced surface area and pore volume, hierarchical arrangements, and adjustable properties, as well as their versatile applications in fields such as chemical engineering, materials science, and the environmental and biomedical sectors. This article centers on examining the advancements in using MOFs for environmental remediation purposes. Additionally, it discusses the latest developments in employing MOFs as potential tools for disease diagnosis and drug delivery across various ailments, including cancer, diabetes, neurological disorders, and ocular diseases. Firstly, a concise overview of MOF evolution and the synthetic techniques employed for creating MOFs are provided, presenting their advantages and limitations. Subsequently, the challenges, potential avenues, and perspectives for future advancements in the utilization of MOFs in the respective application domains are addressed. Lastly, a comprehensive comparison of the materials presently employed in these applications is conducted.

Understanding the Mechanism for Adsorption of Pb(II) Ions by Cu-BTC Metal-Organic Frameworks

With the growing population, industrialization, and agriculture, water contamination not only affects people but entire ecosystems. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), because of their large surface area and porosity, show great potential as adsorbents for removing pollutants, such as heavy metals, from contaminated water. The current research aims at examining copper (II) benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate (Cu-BTC) MOFs and understanding the mechanism for their adsorption of Pb(II) from aqueous solution. The Cu-BTC samples were characterized using FTIR and XRD, and their surface area and porosity were determined based on N₂ adsorption isotherms. The concentration of Pb(II) in the solutions was measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Both kinetic and equilibrium adsorption data were collected and then analyzed using numerical models. The analyses led to the findings that the limiting steps in the adsorption of Pb(II) on Cu-BTC are (a) pore diffusion of Pb(II) and (b) the availability of the active sites on Cu-BTC MOFs. It was further revealed that the former step is more dominant in the adsorption of Pb(II) when the lead concentration is low. The latter step, which is directly proportional to the surface areas of the MOFs, affects the adsorption to a greater extent when the lead concentration is high. The results also show that adsorption of Pb(II) ions on Cu-BTC is mainly a multi-layer heterogeneous process.

Research on Improved MOF Materials Modified by Functional Groups for Purification of Water

With the rapid development of urbanization and industrialization, water contamination has gradually become a big problem. Relevant studies show that adsorption is an efficient strategy to treat pollutants in water. MOFs are a class of porous materials with a three-dimensional frame structure shaped by the self-assembly of metal centers and organic ligands. Because of its unique performance advantages, it has become a promising adsorbent. At present, single MOFs cannot meet the needs, but the introduction of familiar functional groups on MOFs can promote the adsorption performance of MOFs on the target. In this review, the main advantages, adsorption mechanism, and specific applications of various functional MOF adsorbents for pollutants in water are reviewed. At the end of the article, we summarize and discuss the future development direction.

Water stable MOFs as emerging class of porous materials for potential environmental applications

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are extensively recognized for their wide applications in a variety of fields such as water purification, adsorption, sensing, catalysis and drug delivery. The fundamental characteristics of the majority of MOFs, such as their structure and shape, are known to be sensitively impacted by water or moisture. As a result, a thorough evaluation of the stability of MOFs in respect to factors linked to these property changes is required. It is quite rare for MOFs in their early stages to have strong water-stability, which is necessary for the commercialization and development of wider applications of this interesting material. Also, numerous applications in presence of water have progressed considerably as a "proof of concept" stage in the past and a growing number of water-stable MOFs (WSMOFs) have been discovered in recent years. This review discusses the variables and processes that affect the aqueous stability of several MOFs, including imidazolate and carboxylate frameworks. Accordingly, this article will assist researchers in accurately evaluating how water affects the stability of MOFs so that effective techniques can be identified for the advancement of water-stable metal-organic frameworks (WSMOFs) and for their effective applications toward a variety of fields.

Recent progress on adsorption of cadmium ions from water systems using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as an efficient class of porous materials

Various articles have been written about MOFs, which are organic-inorganic polymer structures that are unique in three-dimensional porosity, crystalline structure, and their ability to adsorb cadmium ion pollutants from aqueous solutions. These materials possess active metal sites, highly porous structures, high specific surfaces, high chemical functionality, and porous topologies. It is necessary to study adsorption kinetics, isotherms, and mechanisms in order to better understand the adsorption process. Adsorption kinetics can provide information about the adsorption rate and reaction pathway of adsorbents. Adsorption isotherms analyze the possibility of absorbances based on the Gibbs equation and thermodynamic theories. Moreover, in practical applications, knowledge of the adsorption mechanism is essential for predicting adsorption reactions and designing MOFs structures. In this review, the latest suggested adsorption mechanisms, kinetics, and isotherms of MOFs-based materials for removing cadmium ions are presented. A comparison is then conducted between different MOFs and the mechanisms of cadmium ion removal. We also discuss the future role of MOFs in removing environmental contaminants. Lastly, we discuss the gap in research and limitations of MOFs as adsorbents in actual applications, and probable technology development for the development of cost-efficient and sustainable MOFs for metal ion removal.

Application of ZIF-8 nanocomposite membrane in microbial desalination cells for simultaneous heavy metal removal and biofouling prevention

Microbial desalination cells (MDC) syndicate the advantage of physical separation by using membranes to create conditions required for Bioelectrochemical processes for the treatment of various domestic and industrial wastewater, while simultaneously desalinating saline water and generating bioenergy. However, since the introduction of this technology, heavy metal removal has been a challenge, and membrane fouling has become a major bottleneck limiting the optimum performance and efficiency of this technology. This study incorporated the use of ZIF-8 nanocomposite membrane via phase inversion mechanism in MDC for simultaneous heavy metal removal and membrane biofouling prevention. The study was conducted in two MDC systems; MDC-Control (without the ZIF-8 nanocomposite membrane) and MDC with ZIF-8 nanocomposite membrane. The results from the experiment shown that maximum removal efficiency of 85.7%, 84.3%, 84.0%, and 90.61% was obtained for Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Pb^2+, and Cd²⁺ respectively in MDC-ZIF-8, while MDC control showed 54.17%, 59.71%, 51.94%, and 54.17%. The results were well fitted to the Langmuir adsorption isotherm with correlation coefficients (R²) > 0.99 in all cases for MDC-ZIF-8. A maximum adsorption capacity (Q_max) of 292 mg g^-1 was attained for all four metal ions in MDC-ZIF-8. Besides, after 38 days of continuous operation with two complete desalination for both systems, the SEM-EDS characterization analysis, polarization characteristics, and power generation revealed antifouling characteristics of ZIF-8 nanocomposite membrane incorporated in MDC. The integration of the ZIF-8 nanocomposite membrane proved to be simultaneously efficient in biofouling prevention and heavy metal removal without jeopardizing the system's ability for wastewater treatment, bioelectricity generation, and desalination processes.

Fabrication of Boron-Doped Diamond Film Electrode for Detecting Trace Lead Content in Drinking Water

This work aimed to fabricate a boron-doped diamond film electrode for detecting trace amounts of lead in drinking water so as to safeguard it for the public. Available detectors suffer from high costs and complex analytical processes, and commonly used electrodes for electrochemical detectors are subject to a short life, poor stability, and secondary pollution during usage. In this work, a boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode was prepared on a porous titanium substrate, and the microstructure and electrochemical properties of the BDD electrode were systematically studied. Moreover, the stripping parameters were optimized to obtain a better signal response and determine the detection index. As a result, diamond particles were closely arranged on the surface of the BDD electrode with good phase quality. The electrode showed high electrochemical activity, specific surface area, and low charge transfer resistance, which can accelerate the stripping reaction process of Pb²⁺. The BDD electrode presented a low detection limit of 2.62 ppb for Pb²⁺ under an optimized parameter set with an enrichment time of 150 s and a scanning frequency of 50 Hz. The BDD electrode also has good anti-interference ability. The designed BDD electrode is expected to offer a reliable solution for the dilemma of the availability of metal electrodes and exhibits a good application prospect in the trace monitoring of Pb²⁺ content in drinking water.

Selective adsorption mechanisms of iodinated trihalomethanes onto thiol-functionalized HKUST-1s in a mixed solute

The selective adsorption mechanisms involved in the competitive adsorption of five iodinated trihalomethanes (I-THMs) onto dithiolglycol and (3-mercaptopropyl)-trimethoxy functionalized HKUST-1 (HK-SH and HK-MPTS, respectively) were investigated by single- and mixed-batch adsorption. HK-SH had the highest adsorption rates and capacities for the five I-THMs, followed by HK-MPTS and pristine HKUST-1, even though the porosity and surface area decreased after modification. The primary adsorptive mechanism of HK-SH consists of ion-dipole interactions of I-THMs with the protonated hydroxyl and thiol groups at the metal (Cu) node, which is supported by Lewis acid-base reactions via Cu-Cu complex and π-π interactions. In a mixed solute, bromodiiodomethane, which was the most hydrophobic and had the smallest molecular size, exhibited the most competitive adsorption on HK-SH. In contrast, the selective adsorption of I-THMs onto HK-MPTS was affected by their log K_ow values, causing hydrophobic partitioning onto the alkyl chain of the mercaptopropyl group. Iodinated haloforms tend to achieve a higher adsorption rate and capacity than chlorinated and brominated haloforms via hydrophobic partitioning. Moreover, dithiolglycol grafted onto HK-SH can better promote the excellent selective adsorption performance of iodoacetamide than dichloroiodomethane and iodoacetic acid in both single- and mixed-solute solutions due to hydrogen bonding via the -NH₂ group of diiodoacetamide.

Enhancing the remarkable adsorption of Pb2+ in a series of sulfonic-functionalized Zr-based MOFs: a combined theoretical and experimental study for elucidating the adsorption mechanism

A series of Zr-based metal-organic frameworks was prepared via the solvothermal route using sulfonic-rich linkers for the efficient capture of Pb²⁺ ions from aqueous medium. The factors affecting adsorption such as the solution pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, adsorption isotherms, and mechanism were studied. Consequently, the maximum adsorption capacity of Pb²⁺ on the acidified VNU-23 was determined to be 617.3 mg g^-1, which is much higher than that of previously reported adsorbents and MOF materials. Furthermore, the adsorption isotherms and kinetics of the Pb²⁺ ion are in good accordance with the Langmuir and pseudo-second-order kinetic model, suggesting that the uptake of Pb²⁺ is a chemisorption process. The reusability experiments demonstrated the facile recovery of the H⁺⊂VNU-23 material through immersion in an HNO₃ solution (pH = 3), where its Pb²⁺ adsorption efficiency still remained at about 90% of the initial uptake over seven cycles. Remarkably, the adsorption mechanism was elucidated through a combined theoretical and experimental investigation. Accordingly, the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy connected to energy-dispersive X-ray mapping (SEM-EDX-mapping), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of the Pb⊂VNU-23 sample and comparison with H⁺⊂VNU-23 confirmed that the electrostatic interaction occurs via the interaction between the SO₃^- moieties in the framework and the Pb²⁺ ion, leading to the formation of a Pb-O bond. In addition, the density functional theory (DFT) calculations showed the effective affinity of the MOF adsorbent toward the Pb²⁺ ion via the strong driving force mentioned in the experimental studies. Thus, these findings illustrate that H⁺⊂VNU-23 can be employed as a potential adsorbent to eliminate Pb²⁺ ions from wastewater.

A Novel Coordination Polymer as Adsorbent Used to Remove Hg(II) and Pb(II) from Water with Different Adsorption Mechanisms

Under the hydrothermal condition, a new type of two-dimensional coordination polymer ([Cd(D-Cam)(3-bpdb)]_n, Cd-CP) has been constructed. It is composed of D-(+)-Camphoric-Cd(II) (D-cam-Cd(II)) one-dimensional chain and bridging 1,4-bis(3-pyridyl)-2,3-diaza-1,3-butadiene (3-bpdb) ligands. Cd-CP has a good removal effect for Hg(II) and Pb(II), and the maximum adsorption capacity is 545 and 450 mg/g, respectively. Interestingly, thermodynamic studies have shown that the adsorption processes of Hg(II) and Pb(II) on Cd-CP use completely different thermodynamic mechanisms, in which the adsorption of Hg(II) is due to a strong electrostatic interaction with Cd-CP, while that of Pb(II) is through a weak coordination with Cd-CP. Moreover, Cd-CP has a higher affinity for Hg(II), and when Hg(II) and Pb(II) coexist, Cd-CP preferentially adsorbs Hg(II).

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.

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.

Adsorption of chromium by functionalized metal organic frameworks from aqueous solution

Based on Cu-BTC metal-organic framework, thiol-functionalized and amino functionalized materials were prepared by the modified Stöber method. Then, the Cu₃(BTC)₂ and the functionalized materials were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, SEM-EDS and FT-IR analysis. The adsorption properties of two materials for Cr(VI) were investigated. Both functionalized materials show good adsorption under acidic conditions. Through adsorption model analysis, the adsorption of Cr(VI) by the two materials were more in line with the pseudo-second-order kinetic equation. The adsorption capacities of Langmuir isothermal fitting were 15.17 mg g^-1 and 7.17 mg g^-1, respectively. During the adsorption process, the functionalized material does not swell and is insoluble in water. After five adsorption-desorption cycles, the adsorption capacity is basically constant and the material can be reused. The results show that the above two functionalized MOFs have good application prospects in the adsorption and removal of heavy metal Cr(VI) in aqueous solution.

A facile method to achieve dopamine polymerization in MOFs pore structure for efficient and selective removal of trace lead (II) ions from drinking water

Heavy metals are seriously hazardous contaminants and drinking water has been identified as an important route of human exposure to them. Herein, to efficiently and selectively remove trace heavy metal ions, a facile method was reported to achieve the slow polymerization of dopamine in the cages of MIL-100 (Fe) via ultrasonic treatment followed by the hydrolysis of the urea. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunner-Emmet-Teller (BET) and pore size distribution determination confirmed the formation of the polydopamine (PDA) and binding with the unsaturated Fe³⁺ site in MIL-100 (Fe) pores. The composite not only retained pore structure of MOFs but also contained abundant reactive functional groups. When initial lead concentration was 150 ppb and 20 ppm calcium coexisted at pH of 6.5 ± 0.25, the effluent lead concentration met the safe drinking water standard in several tens of seconds, and decreased to 1.13 ppb in 10 min. The adsorption rate reached 99.35%. The synthetic strategy effectively overcomes mass transfer resistance of trace heavy metal ions and provides a facile approach to prepare adsorption materials for efficient and selective removal of trace heavy metal ions from drinking water.

Nanomaterial-based fluorescent sensors for the detection of lead ions

Lead (Pb) poisoning has been a scourge to the human to pose sighnificant health risks (e.g., organ disorders, carcinogenicity, and genotoxicity) as observed from many different parts of the world, especially in developing countries. The demand for accurate sensors for its detection, especially in environmental media (soil, water, food, etc.) has hence been growing steadily over the years. The potential utility of fluorescent nanosensors as an important analytical tool is recognized due to their astonishing characteristics (e.g., high sensitivity/selectivity, enhanced detection performance, low cost, portability, and rapid on-site detection ability). This review is organized to offer insight into the recent developments in fluorescent nanosensing technology for the detection of lead ions (Pb²⁺). To this end, different types of nanomaterials explored for such applications have been classified and evaluated with respect to performance, especially in terms of sensitivity. This review will help researchers gain a better knowledge on the status and importance of optical nanosensors so as to remediate the contamination of lead and associated problems. The technical challenges and prospects in the development of nanosensing systems for Pb²⁺ are also discussed.

Adsorption of iodinated trihalomethanes onto thiol functionalized ZIF-8s: Active adsorption sites, adsorptive mechanisms, and dehalogenation by-products

The adsorptive mechanisms operating in, and the effect of two different thiol modification methods on, the removal of five iodinated trihalomethanes (I-THMs) by the zeolite imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) were investigated in single and mixed solutions. The direct postgrafting of dithioglycol to the zinc complex node of ZIF-8 (ZF-SH) can increase the mesopore structures that enhance inner pore accessibility; this increase is a critical property required for excellent adsorption of I-THMs. The synergetic adsorptive interactions consist of Lewis acid-base interactions via the Zn-Zn complex, ion-dipole interactions involving the protonated hydroxyl and thiol groups, and hydrophobic interactions at the imidazole ring. In contrast to ZF-SH, the (3-mercaptopropyl)-trimethoxy functionalized silica coating on ZIF-8 (ZF-Si-SH) causes a lower thiol moiety and a steric effect that is reflected in its lower adsorption capacity. In both single and mixed solutions, the small molecular size and hydrophobic nature of I-THMs can promote better adsorption capacity on all thiol-modified ZIF-8, while the minus dipole charge distribution of the I-THMs structure plays a more critical role in selective adsorption on pristine ZIF-8. Interestingly, the dehalogenation of triiodomethane to diiodomethane due to a nucleophilic substitution (S_N2) reaction can be accelerated by the thiol functionalized silica layer on ZIF-8.

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.

High capacity Hg(II) and Pb(II) removal using MOF-based nanocomposite: Cooperative effects of pore functionalization and surface-charge modulation

Water pollution by heavy metal ions especially Hg(II) and Pb(II) is one of the most important concerns because of their harmful effects on human health and environment sustainability. Here, we developed Fe₃O₄@TMU-32 metal-organic framework (MOF)-based nanocomposite by applying pore functionalization and surface-charge modulation strategies. Based on synergic effects of these strategies, Fe₃O₄@TMU-32 nanocomposite shows very high capacity toward Hg(II) and Pb(II) metal ions. TMU-32 (with formula [Zn(OBA)(DPU)]·2DMF·H₂O where H₂OBA and DPU are (4,4'-oxybis(benzoic acid)) and 1,3-di(pyridin-4-yl)urea)) is decorated with urea functional groups containing carbonyl and amine groups that can interact with metal ions. As results, TMU-32 show very high capacity toward Hg(II) and Pb(II) ions. To improve the TMU-32 capacity toward Hg(II) and Pb(II) cations, we tried to modulate the surface-charge of TMU-32 as a host-framework. Surface-charge modulation strategy had been conducted through encapsulation of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles by TMU-32 in an in-situ synthesis procedure and synthesis of Fe₃O₄@TMU-32 nanocomposite. Fe₃O₄@TMU-32 nanocomposite shows improved removal capacity (45 % and 54 % toward Pb(II) and Hg(II)) rather pristine TMU-32 framework because of urea decorated framework and charge modulated surface. Fe₃O₄@TMU-32 nanocomposite adsorb 1600 mg.g^-1 of Pb(II) and 905 mg.g^-1 of Hg(II) which extremely rare in the literature. Such improvement can be related to the electrostatic interaction between cationic nature of Pb(II) and Hg(II) and negative charge of the Fe₃O₄@TMU-32 adsorbent.

Facile fabrication of bimetallic Fe-Mg MOF for the synthesis of xanthenes and removal of heavy metal ions

This work reported the preparation of Mg-MOF, Fe-MOF and Fe-Mg MOF by a solvothermal technique and their characterization with FT-IR, XRD, SEM, EDS, TEM and S BET analyses. The nanoparticle diameter ranged from 3.1 to 10.9 nm. The acidity of the MOFs was measured by nonaqueous potentiometric titration of n-butylamine. It was observed that the formation of a bimetallic MOF sharply increases the surface acidity and the catalytic activity. The catalytic results of the Fe-Mg MOF catalyzing the synthesis of 14-aryl-14-H-dibenzo[a,j]xanthenes in comparison with those of parent MOFs showed a higher yield of the desired product in a lower time and among various Fe : Mg, the (0.6 : 1) Fe-Mg MOF showed the highest catalytic activity and acidity. Even after the 4th run, the Fe-Mg MOF catalyst still maintained nearly the initial catalytic activity. The adsorption performance of Mg-MOF, Fe-MOF and Fe-Mg MOF was evaluated by batch experiments. The effect of contact time, the solution pH, the adsorbent dose and the initial concentration of the heavy metal ions was discussed. It was found that the capacity of the bimetallic Fe-Mg MOF for Pb(ii), Cu(ii) and Cd(ii) adsorption was higher than that of the Mg-MOF and Fe-MOF, the kinetic data followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the isothermal data obeyed the Langmuir isotherm model. The mechanism of the removal of the heavy metal ions was discussed.

Extraction of Metal Ions with Metal-Organic Frameworks

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are crystalline porous materials composed of metal ions or clusters coordinated with organic linkers. Due to their extraordinary properties such as high porosity with homogeneous and tunable in size pores/cages, as well as high thermal and chemical stability, MOFs have gained attention in diverse analytical applications. MOFs have been coupled with a wide variety of extraction techniques including solid-phase extraction (SPE), dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE), and magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) for the extraction and preconcentration of metal ions from complex matrices. The low concentration levels of metal ions in real samples including food samples, environmental samples, and biological samples, as well as the increased number of potentially interfering ions, make the determination of trace levels of metal ions still challenging. A wide variety of MOF materials have been employed for the extraction of metals from sample matrices prior to their determination with spectrometric techniques.