Zeolite Imidazole Frame-67 (ZIF-67) and Its Derivatives for Pollutant Removal in Water: A Review

Water pollution, driven by industrial wastewater, agricultural runoff, and domestic sewage, introduces organic pollutants (e.g., dyes and antibiotics) and heavy metal ions (e.g., Pb2⁺ and Cr(VI)), threatening ecosystems and human health. Although traditional water treatment technologies have now matured, they still have some deficiencies in terms of specific pollutants. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), particularly zeolite imidazole frame-67 (ZIF-67)—a cobalt-based MOF with high surface area, tunable pores, and robust chemical stability—show excellent adsorption capacity for pollutants and have emerged as promising candidates for water treatment due to their efficacy in adsorption, catalysis, and photocatalysis. This review examines ZIF-67’s synthesis, functionalization strategies, and applications in removing organic pollutants and heavy metals. It explores its mechanisms, composite designs, and recyclability, while highlighting challenges and future directions for developing efficient, sustainable water treatment technologies.