Multi-functional metal–organic frameworks for detection and removal of water pollutions

Water pollutions have caused serious threats to the aquatic environment and human health, it is of great significance to monitor and control their contents in water. Compared with the traditional single treatment method, multiple treatment can simultaneously realize detection and removal of water pollutions on one material, which brings convenience and promotes comprehensive treatment for water remediation. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are versatile porous materials that hold huge potential in wastewater treatments. This feature article reviews the recent advances in MOFs for multifunctional water treatment. First, strategies to design the sensing, removal and degradation functions onto MOFs are introduced. Then, the sensing, removal and degradation effects on various inorganic and organic water pollutions based on multifunctional MOF materials are summarized, and the interaction mechanisms are discussed in detail. Finally, the current challenges and the future research trends on MOF materials for wastewater treatment are discussed as well.