Unlocking the opportunities of POM@MOF composites as next catalyst for energy and environmental remediation applications

The rapid growth of the global population has led to increase in energy demand, resulting in serious environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Achieving energy security and environmental sustainability therefore represents one of the most urgent scientific and technological challenges of the 21st century. In response, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as a versatile class of functional materials, distinguished by their high surface area, tunable porosity, and structural diversity. Recent research has increasingly focused on the integration of polyoxometalates (POMs) within MOF architectures, giving rise to POM@MOF composites that exhibit synergistic physicochemical properties extending well beyond those of the individual components. These materials have demonstrated outstanding catalytic performance and align strongly with circular-economy principles, enabling efficient utilization of resources across a wide range of energy and environmental applications. This review provides a comprehensive and critical evaluation of recent advances in POM@MOF composites, with particular emphasis on their catalytic roles in CO₂ reduction, wastewater treatment, fuel desulfurization, hydrogen evolution reactions, and energy storage technologies. Key reaction mechanisms are systematically analyzed to elucidate structure–activity relationships and performance-limiting factors. Finally, current challenges and future research directions are outlined to guide the rational design of next-generation POM@MOF composites that support sustainable development and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).