An Evolving Insight into Metal Organic Framework-Functionalized Membranes for Water and Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) represent one of the largest classes of porous crystalline materials. MOFs have been increasingly applied as functionalizing agents for membranes because of their porosity, high surface area, small particle size, aspect ratio control, tuneability, compatibility with a polymeric network, and exuberance of diverse functional groups. In this comprehensive review paper, we discuss achievements, opportunities, and challenges related to the functionalization of different types of membranes using MOFs for water and wastewater treatment and desalination. The current synthesis and fabrication approaches of MOF-functionalized membranes were identified and critically reviewed. The effects of MOFs on membrane performance, including permeation, selectivity, and antifouling, were discussed. Also, the application of MOF-functionalized membranes in aqueous environments for conventional applications such as heavy metal removal and emerging applications such as resource recovery was enunciated. Finally, recommendations and future directions were provided for further improvement in the field of MOF-functionalized membranes for water treatment and reuse.