Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for Oxo-Anion Removal in Wastewater Treatment: Advancements and Applications

Coordination chemistry has unveiled the significant role of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) in materials research. Characterized by diverse porous structures formed by metal ion/cluster units and organic linkers, MOFs have gained considerable attention due to their unique coordination structure, high porosity, and extensive surface area, making them invaluable in chemical, biological, and materials science. Their exceptional chemical stability also makes MOFs promising candidates for adsorbing pollutants from wastewater. Metal oxo-anions, identified as significant pollutants by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), require efficient water treatment solutions. Traditional methods face challenges and low selectivity, leading to incomplete removal of these substances. MOFs offer a solution through their tunable functionalities, enabling selective adsorption of hazardous oxo-anions like chromium, selenium, and arsenic. Precise engineering of MOFs by incorporating suitable functional groups and metal sites can significantly enhance their adsorption capacity and selectivity, advancing environmental remediation efforts. This comprehensive review explores the critical role of MOFs in addressing environmental challenges, especially water pollution from metal oxo-anions. It highlights innovative strategies for customizing MOF architectures and optimizing their performance for selective oxo-anion removal, contributing to a deeper understanding of MOFs’ potential in achieving environmental sustainability. Additionally, the review investigates the interactions between MOFs and toxic oxo-anions, underlying mechanisms, experimental approaches, and design principles crucial for successful MOF deployment in real-world water treatment applications. By analyzing the multifaceted role of MOFs in mitigating water pollution, this review provides valuable insights that can shape the future of sustainable water management.