ZIF-8 and Its Derivative Adsorbents for Heavy Metal Removal in Water: A Review

Zeolite imidazolium framework-8 (ZIF-8) is a typical MOF material, which has the advantages of high specific surface area, high crystallinity and polymetallic sites, and strong thermal and chemical stability. The excellent adsorption properties of ZIF-8 are also utilized to synthesize new adsorbent materials to enhance their adsorption performance, reducing production cost and improving recyclability. Considering the high feasibility and wide application of ZIF-8 and the composites adducted with ZIF-8 for heavy metal ion removal in aqueous solutions, this paper focuses on the specific synthesization, application, and development of ZIF-8 and its derivatives, as well as the key removal mechanism for heavy metal adsorption. This paper provides a better understanding and new ideas for effective preparation of ZIF-8 and ZIF-8-aided adsorbents and their successful utilization in heavy metal wastewater purification.