Removal of tetracycline antibiotics by adsorption and photocatalytic-degradation processes in aqueous solutions using metal organic frameworks (MOFs): A systematic review

Tetracsyclines (TCs) are a class of antibiotics which could be applied for the treatment of infectious diseases. In fact, the extensive use of TCs has posed serious challenges in the environment. On the other hand, a huge development in the application of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) has been made in recent years due to their wide use in treating contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). In this review, a recent advancement in the application of MOFs for the removal of tetracycline antibiotics by the adsorption and photocatalytic-degradation methods in aquatic solutions is highlighted. It was found out that extensive and successful efforts have been made to efficiently modify MOFs and eventually employ them for obtaining higher level of performance in the adsorption and degradation of antibiotics. The synthesis method, specific surface areas, the ranges and effects of important parameters, mechanisms, removal efficiencies, and the roles of MOFs in the adsorption and photocatalytic removal of TCs were highlighted in details. Moreover, the limitations and possible solutions for each method are discussed. It is reported that the application of MOFs in the adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of TCs in aqueous solutions is assumed to be promising and effective. We finally believe that the application of MOFs in the adsorption/photocatalytic degradation of TCs is worthy of reviewing and hope this review could be useful to the potential readers.