Rising profile on the use of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) for the removal of heavy metals from the environment: an overview

Abstract This review study is dealing with the recent advances and developments in the metal–organic framework (MOF) materials especially in the aspect of environmental remediation of heavy metals. Its application in some area of technological and mechanical advancement was also considered. The process of its synthesis and characterization was also put into consideration. Metal-organic frameworks can be said to be an exciting new class of nanoporous crystalline materials containing a metal as its central ion surrounded by organic ligands. An overwhelming characteristic of MOFs lies in its surface area which is amazingly large, exceeding those of known best activated carbons and zeolites. There is an increasingly high demand in the application of MOFs for a multitude of environmental uses or application to be used for capturing and separating various unwanted or even environmentally harmful chemicals, elements or materials. The advantage of MOFs over other known adsorbent materials, such as zeolites and carbon black, is that it possesses a far greater surface area along with amazingly great pore properties. In this review the synthesis and characterization of MOFs, the fate of heavy metals, the application of MOFs in heavy metals remediation and other means of heavy metals remediation are well discussed