Review of MOFs and their applications in the preparation of loose nanofiltration membranes for dye and salt fractionation

The improper disposal of unused dyes by various industries is a significant contributor to water pollution. Thus, it is very important to remove the dyes from water. For the treatment of dyes, a number of technologies have been developed, including coagulation/flocculation, adsorption, and chemical oxidation. The main drawbacks of such techniques are their ineffective secondary pollution control and low treatment efficiency. Nanofiltration technology, in comparison, has a high removal rate and is simple to use. Due to its superior selective separation performance, loose nanofiltration (NF) is a potential technique for the fractionation of dyes and salts. Thus, the loose nanofiltration membranes need to be researched and developed more. However, the MOFs are often used in the preparation of loose nanofiltration membranes till now. So, it is necessary to get to know the chemical structure, prospect and challenges in the applications of loose nanofiltration membranes. Metal-organic frameworks, often known as MOFs, are completely novel family of hybrid materials used as adsorbents that are comprised of organic linkers and metal ions or clusters. MOFs and their derivatives have shown unprecedented potential in membrane applications due to their distinct porosity architectures and unique characteristics. They have the benefits of Highly porous, a huge area, flexible pore size, and strong stability due to their unique structural composition. This review provides an overview of MOF membrane fabrication techniques and kinds of MOFs like; UiO-66, MILs, HKUST-1, ZIFs. The review discusses MOF-based membranes for dye/saltwater separation, highlighting challenges and applications. It also discusses modified MOF membranes and their prospects for implementation. While challenges remain, ongoing research and advancements in membrane fabrication techniques hold the key to unlocking the promise of membranes based on MOF for various environmental and industrial applications.