Advances in hygroscopic metal-organic frameworks for air, water & energy applications

Air, water & energy applications build bridges between water and energy interactions. The development of stable and efficient adsorbents has attracted much attention due to their crucial role in the successful realization of these technologies. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), with their high porosity and tunable properties, have become a popular choice for a variety of air, water & energy applications. However, MOFs have several drawbacks such as cumbersome synthesis, high cost, and difficult molding. To address these issues, researchers have explored MOFs composites by integrating them with other materials, resulting in promising advancements. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the advancement in hygroscopic MOFs and their composites. Firstly, the principal synthesis methods and characteristics are introduced and summarized. Secondly, adsorption/desorption properties, adsorption behaviors and physical property of MOFs and their composite adsorbents combined with different matrices are concluded and discussed. Moreover, process in the fields of dehumidification, atmospheric water harvesting and thermal management are reviewed. The excellent performance of these MOFs-related adsorbents in these technologies holds promise for solving the energy and water crises. Finally, an outlook in terms of materials and applications is given, paving the way for a bright future of MOFs and their composites in adsorption technologies for energy conversion and water harvesting.