Functional metal-organic frameworks for metal removal from aqueous solutions

Wastewater remediation technologies are rapidly evolving to meet the increasing water demand. The need to develop efficient, low-cost, and simplistic strategies has motivated researchers to explore newer fields of material science. Owing to high thermal stability, porosity, and accessible functionalities, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are finding numerous applications in the domain of wastewater treatment and resource recovery. The application-oriented development of MOFs has been accepted as a novel approach for the removal and recovery of metals from waste solutions. The desired properties in MOFs could be achieved by adopting suitable synthesis or post-synthesis functionalization strategies. Here, we have reviewed differently functionalized MOFs and their application in the removal of metals from waste solutions. We have also discussed the application of MOFs in the pre-concentration and recovery of actinides from seawater. Conclusions regarding the future scope of employing MOFs in the domain of environmental remediation have been included.