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Review

Recent Advances in Metal-Organic Framework (MOF)-Based Photocatalysts: Design Strategies and Applications in Heavy Metal Control

by
Qiang Ma
1,2,†,
Yunling Li
1,
Yawen Tan
1,
Bowen Xu
3,†,
Jun Cai
4,
Yingjie Zhang
5,
Qingyuan Wang
1,
Qihong Wu
1,
Bowen Yang
1,* and
Jin Huang
1,*
1
Key Laboratory of Drinking Water Source Protection in Chengdu Basin of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial Engineering Research Center of City Solid Waste Energy and Building Materials Conversion & Utilization Technology, Chengdu University, Chengdu 610106, China
2
State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
3
Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China
4
National Joint Engineering Research Center of Energy Saving and Environmental Protection Technology in Metallurgy and Chemical Engineering Industry, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650093, China
5
College of Agriculture and Biological Science, Dali University, Dali 671000, China
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
†
These authors contributed equally to this work.
Molecules 2023, 28(18), 6681; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28186681
Submission received: 23 August 2023 / Revised: 9 September 2023 / Accepted: 14 September 2023 / Published: 18 September 2023
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Synthesis of Functional Materials for Photocatalysis)
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Abstract

:
The heavy metal contamination of water systems has become a major environmental concern worldwide. Photocatalysis using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has emerged as a promising approach for heavy metal remediation, owing to the ability of MOFs to fully degrade contaminants through redox reactions that are driven by photogenerated charge carriers. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent developments in MOF-based photocatalysts for removing and decontaminating heavy metals from water. The tunable nature of MOFs allows the rational design of composition and features to enhance light harvesting, charge separation, pollutant absorptivity, and photocatalytic activities. Key strategies employed include metal coordination tuning, organic ligand functionalization, heteroatom doping, plasmonic nanoparticle incorporation, defect engineering, and morphology control. The mechanisms involved in the interactions between MOF photocatalysts and heavy metal contaminants are discussed, including light absorption, charge carrier separation, metal ion adsorption, and photocatalytic redox reactions. The review highlights diverse applications of MOF photocatalysts in treating heavy metals such as lead, mercury, chromium, cadmium, silver, arsenic, nickel, etc. in water remediation. Kinetic modeling provides vital insights into the complex interplay between coupled processes such as adsorption and photocatalytic degradation that influence treatment efficiency. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is also crucial for evaluating the sustainability of MOF-based technologies. By elucidating the latest advances, current challenges, and future opportunities, this review provides insights into the potential of MOF-based photocatalysts as a sustainable technology for addressing the critical issue of heavy metal pollution in water systems. Ongoing efforts are needed to address the issues of stability, recyclability, scalable synthesis, and practical reactor engineering.

Graphical Abstract

1. Introduction

The heavy metal contamination of water systems has become a matter of major environmental concern worldwide. Rapid industrialization and inadequate wastewater management have led to the discharge of high levels of toxic heavy metals into water bodies, posing significant risks to ecosystems and human health [1]. Major heavy metal pollutants include arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury, and lead, which mainly originate from industrial activities, mining and ore processing, agricultural runoff, waste disposal and landfills, urban runoff, industrial effluents, power plants, vehicular emissions, construction activities, household products, and natural sources (Figure 1) [2,3].
Numerous toxic heavy metals are prevalent as contaminants within water systems, which is largely attributed to their extensive application across various industrial sectors. An illustrative example is chromium, which is widely employed in alloy manufacturing and tanning procedures, rendering it a predominant heavy metal pollutant within aquatic environments. Of particular concern is hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), which exhibits heightened solubility and toxicity in comparison to its trivalent counterpart (Cr(III)), consequently instigating mutagenic and carcinogenic repercussions [4]. Mercury, employed extensively in activities such as artisanal gold mining, dental amalgamations, and thermometer production, is often discharged into water bodies through industrial effluents. This elemental substance tends to accumulate along the aquatic food chain, consequently engendering implications for human health [5]. Cadmium, which is frequently utilized in metal plating and battery fabrication, is distinguished by its substantial toxicity and propensity for organismal accumulation [6]. Arsenic, originating from mining endeavors and pesticide application, inflicts contamination upon various drinking water sources, thereby imposing significant health hazards [7]. Lead, emitted from sources such as paint, batteries, and pipelines, emerges as a potent neurotoxin with the potential to undermine cognitive function and neural development [7]. Emanating from such industrial sources, the discharge of these hazardous heavy metals into water systems is manifestly associated with far-reaching ecological and health perils on a global scale. In light of these critical concerns, the imperative to advance efficacious remediation technologies emerges as pivotal in addressing the pervasive issue of heavy metal pollution and its profound ramifications for both ecosystems and human populations.
Such heavy metal pollution has led to contaminated drinking water sources, rendering them unsafe for human consumption. Therefore, there is an urgent need for efficient technologies that can remove toxic heavy metals from water according to stringent regulatory limits. Photocatalysis has emerged as a promising approach, owing to its ability to fully degrade heavy metal contaminants rather than just transferring them to a different phase. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), with their design flexibility, high surface area, and photocatalytic capabilities, have shown tremendous potential for heavy metal remediation through photocatalysis.
Conventional methods for removing heavy metals from wastewater include chemical precipitation, membrane filtration, ion exchange, and adsorption (Figure 2). However, these techniques have limitations such as incomplete metal removal, the generation of toxic sludge, high costs, and susceptibility to fouling (Table 1) [1].
Photocatalysis, on the other hand, offers a sustainable and efficient approach by utilizing solar energy to fully degrade heavy metal contaminants into less toxic forms. Upon photoirradiation, photocatalysts generate highly reactive radical species that can oxidize organic ligands and reduce toxic metals such as Cr(VI) and Hg(II) to their less soluble states [8]. Photocatalytic treatment enables the complete destruction of heavy metals rather than just transferring them to a different phase.
Moreover, photocatalysis can be performed under ambient conditions, which eliminates the need for chemical inputs and results in minimal sludge generation [9]. The oxidative power of photogenerated holes and the reducing capacity of electrons enables the degradation of a wide range of heavy metal species, as well as organic pollutants that may co-exist in wastewater. Photocatalysis also facilitates the recovery of valuable metals, thereby allowing wastewater to be used as a resource [10].
Given these advantages, photocatalytic treatment has garnered significant interest as a next-generation sustainable technology for heavy metal remediation. The development of highly efficient and stable photocatalysts is key to fully realizing the potential of photocatalysis for heavy metals control in water systems. Here is a brief introduction to MOFs and their potential as photocatalysts for heavy metal removal:
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are an emerging class of porous materials that are constructed from metal ions/clusters coordinated to organic ligands. The modular nature of MOFs allows for the rational design of their chemical structure and properties [11]. MOFs possess ultrahigh porosity, large surface areas (of up to 7000 m2/g), and rich functionalities that can be incorporated via synthetic tuning [12].
These exceptional properties make MOFs highly promising photocatalysts for removing heavy metal contaminants from water. Their highly porous structure provides abundant active sites for adsorbing heavy metal ions, while the tunable organic ligands facilitate selective capture of target pollutants [13]. Band gaps and energy levels of MOFs can also be engineered to promote redox reactions for heavy metal degradation.
Furthermore, MOFs allow the incorporation of plasmonic nanoparticles that extend light absorption and enhance photocatalytic activities through hot electron injection [14]. The diverse metal clusters and organic linkers enable modulation of the MOFs’ electronic structure to suppress charge recombination and prolong charge carrier lifetimes. Overall, the structural and chemical versatility of MOFs creates ample opportunities for designing optimal photocatalysts for efficient heavy metal removal from water [15].

2. Design and Strategies

The tunable nature of MOFs provides ample opportunities to tailor their physical and chemical properties for efficient heavy metal removal. Through the judicious selection of the metal clusters and organic linkers, as well as post-synthetic modifications, MOFs can be rationally designed to optimize light harvesting, charge separation, adsorption capacities, and photocatalytic activities. Numerous structural engineering strategies have been employed, including metal coordination tuning, ligand functionalization, heteroatom doping, nanoscale architecture design, and defect incorporation, as shown in Figure 3. In this section, we highlight some of the most widely explored design strategies, demonstrating how the deliberate modulation of MOFs’ composition and features can enhance their photocatalytic performance for heavy metal control. A comprehensive understanding of structure–property relationships is key to unlocking the full potential of MOFs for sustainable water remediation through the continued development of high-efficiency photocatalytic systems. The various design strategies are briefly described in Table 2.
Metal Coordination: The metal clusters/nodes (e.g., Zn, Cu, and Fe) in MOFs can be selected to provide specific affinities toward target heavy metal contaminants through coordinative interactions (Table 2). For example, MOFs with open Fe(III) sites exhibited the selective capture of As(III) ions via strong Lewis acid-base interactions [32]. Transition metals such as Cu, Ni, and Co are often incorporated as nodes in MOFs to provide the selective binding of heavy metal ions through coordinate covalent interactions. For instance, a Cu-based MOF (Cu-TCPP) displayed 95% removal efficiency for Hg(II) ions, which was attributed to the strong affinity between Hg(II) and Cu(I) sites [33].
Ligand Functionalization: Organic ligands in MOFs can be functionalized with groups including carboxylates, amines, thiols, sulfonates, etc., to introduce selective binding sites for heavy metals [13]. Ligands containing sulfur atoms have shown a particular affinity with toxic soft heavy metals such as Hg(II) and Cd(II) [34]. Thiol (-SH)-containing organic ligands are widely used to functionalize MOFs for the selective capture of soft heavy metals such as Hg(II), Cd(II), and As(III). For example, a cysteine-modified MOF showed the fast and efficient removal of Hg(II) through Hg-S bonding [35].
Heteroatom Doping: Incorporating heteroatoms such as N, S, and P into MOFs introduces mid-gap states that enhance visible light absorption. The heterojunctions also promote the separation of photogenerated charge carriers [36,37]. Doping MOFs with N atoms induces mid-gap states, boosts light absorption, and provides catalytic sites for metal reduction. N-doped MOFs exhibited excellent activity in terms of the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) to the less toxic Cr(III) [38].
Plasmonic Metal Incorporation: Embedding plasmonic nanometals (e.g., Au and Ag) in MOFs enables hot electron injection upon plasmon resonance excitation, creating reactive species for photocatalysis [14]. Hybrid Ag/MOF photocatalysts utilize the localized surface plasmon resonance of Ag for the enhanced generation of electron-hole pairs that will drive heavy metal degradation [39].
Defect Engineering: Structural defects can be intentionally created in MOFs through techniques such as acid etching. These defect sites act as active centers for adsorbing heavy metal ions and in catalytic processes [40].
Morphology Control: Tailoring the MOF’s morphology, such as particle size, shape, and porosity enables the optimization of mass transfer, light absorption, and accessibility to active sites [41].
Band Structure Engineering: The electronic band structure of MOFs can be tuned by altering the metal clusters and organic linkers to optimize light harvesting and charge transfer properties. Strategies include incorporating redox-active components and narrowing the band gap [42].
Surface Functionalization: The MOF’s surface can be functionalized with ligands or nanomaterials to improve heavy metal adsorption. Surface modification also enhances dispersion in aqueous media and prevents aggregation [43].
Hybridization with Carbon Materials: Incorporating carbon materials such as graphene or CNTs within MOFs enhances their conductivity and charge mobility. These carbon hybrids exhibit synergistic effects for adsorption and photocatalysis [44].
Co-catalyst Loading: Depositing co-catalyst nanoparticles such as Pt and RuO2 provides active sites for surface redox reactions. This facilitates charge transfer to adsorbed substrates and improves photocatalytic activities [45].
Template Synthesis: Hard templates such as polystyrene beads or soft templates such as micelles can guide the growth of MOFs, allowing control over particle sizes and morphologies, which is ideal for photocatalysis [46].
Defect Engineering: Creating defects in a controlled manner modifies the electronic structure and produces active sites in MOFs. Common techniques include acid/base treatment, ion exchange, or harsh activation [47].
MOFs can be synthesized through various methods that allow sufficient control over the reaction conditions to produce materials with tailored properties. Table 3 summarizes some MOFs that have been synthesized via different methods and their photocatalytic performance regarding heavy metal remediation.
Solvothermal Synthesis: MOFs are crystallized from solutions containing metal salts and organic ligands at elevated temperatures (100–250 °C) and autogenous pressures in autoclaves or hydrothermal bombs. This enables better control over crystallization and yields a high-quality product.
Microwave-Assisted Synthesis: Microwave irradiation rapidly heats the MOF precursor solution to accelerate nucleation and growth. It enables the rapid synthesis of MOFs with small crystal sizes and high porosity.
Ultrasonication Synthesis: Ultrasonic waves provide localized heat and agitation, which can promote MOF crystallization. This results in small, uniform crystals with defects that enhance their photocatalytic activity.
Room Temperature Synthesis: MOF synthesis is achieved in ambient conditions through the slow diffusion of reagents. This eliminates the need for heating but yields slower crystallization.
The tunable nature of MOFs allows properties such as porosity, particle size, morphology, etc., to be optimized for heavy metal removal through the selection of appropriate synthetic techniques and the control of reaction parameters, including temperature, pressure, heating methods, time, pH, etc.

3. Mechanisms

The exceptional photocatalytic performance of MOFs in the context of heavy metal removal is enabled by various photo-induced mechanisms. Upon light irradiation, a series of complex processes occur, including light absorption, charge carrier generation, separation and migration, the adsorption of metal ions, and photocatalytic redox reactions [54,55] (Figure 4). A brief table of MOFs remove heavy metal mechanisms by means of photocatalytic processes, as shown in Table 4.

3.1. Light Absorption

The irradiation of MOFs with light of the appropriate wavelength excites electrons from the valence band to the conduction band, generating electron-hole pairs [63]. Strategies such as bandgap engineering, heteroatom doping, and plasmonic metal incorporation help extend the light absorption into the visible range [64,65].

3.2. Charge Separation

The photogenerated electrons and holes must be separated before recombination, to enable redox reactions. In MOFs, heterojunctions between metal clusters, organic linkers, and integrated materials facilitate charge separation [66,67,68,69]. Type II heterojunctions are formed in MOFs that are hybridized with semiconductors such as TiO2, which favor the migration of electrons and holes to different materials [70,71]. Some metal clusters such as Zr6 act as electron sinks, which draw in excited electrons, thereby suppressing recombination [72,73]. Co-catalysts such as Pt nanoparticles provide a conduction band below that of MOFs, enabling charge transfer [74,75].

3.3. Heavy Metal Adsorption

The porous structure and functionalized sites on MOFs allow the adsorption of heavy metal ions through coordinative bonding, electrostatic interactions, π-complexation, etc. [76,77]. This draws the target pollutants closer to the photocatalytic active sites.

3.4. Reduction Mechanisms

Photogenerated electrons and superoxide radicals reduce toxic metals such as Hg(II) [78], Cr(VI) [79], and Cu(II) [80] into less soluble lower oxidation states for removal. Electron-rich Cu+ sites in Cu-containing MOFs drive the reduction of oxyanions such as Cr2O7− and SeO42− [81]. The superoxide radicals that are generated from O2 act as strong reducing agents [50].

3.5. Oxidation Mechanisms

Holes and powerful oxidants such as •OH and •O2 degrade the organic components of complexes, causing the precipitation or volatilization of metals [82]. Oxidation occurs through direct hole transfer or via •OH and •O2 generated from water and oxygen [83]. Singlet oxygen forms as a result of energy transfer from photoexcited MOFs to the adsorbed O2 [35].

3.6. Mineralization

Complete photocatalytic degradation into harmless ions, such as carbonates, water, and nitrates, enables sustainable remediation [84,85]. This requires sufficient oxidative strength to cleave all aliphatic and aromatic bonds [86]. Ion-exchange capacities help to remove inorganics such as NO3− and SO42− [87].
The tunable nature of MOFs provides opportunities to optimize the individual processes involved in photocatalytic mechanisms through the deliberate designing of composition and features. A comprehensive understanding of these mechanisms is key to engineering optimal MOF architectures for heavy metal remediation.
Computational modeling provides invaluable atomic-level insights into the mechanisms of MOF photocatalysis for heavy metal and organic contaminant removal. Techniques such as density functional theory (DFT) calculations can elucidate activation energies, reaction pathways, rate-determining steps, and excited state charge transfer dynamics, which are often difficult to probe experimentally. However, the accuracy of computational predictions depends strongly on the ability to appropriately represent the complex excited-state phenomena involved. Ongoing advancements in simulation methodology, the incorporation of van der Waals interactions, and transitions to explicit solvent modeling are still needed to improve accuracy. Additionally, calculated mechanisms require careful experimental validation via spectroscopic and kinetic techniques. When rigorously validated, the synergistic combination of computations and experiments serves as a powerful approach to unraveling photocatalytic mechanisms on a precise molecular scale.

4. Impact of Operating Parameters on Photocatalytic Efficiency

The photocatalytic degradation efficiency of heavy metals and organic pollutants can be significantly impacted by parameters such as pH, temperature, catalyst dosage, and initial contaminant concentration [88]. The pH affects photocatalytic reaction rates by influencing the surface charge of MOFs and the speciation of target pollutants, which, in turn, alters the adsorption capacities [89]. Elevated temperatures typically enhance reaction kinetics, as per the Arrhenius equation; however, excessive heating can impair adsorptivity. Increasing the photocatalyst dosage provides more active sites; however, excess amounts can reduce degradation efficiency due to factors such as light scattering. High initial contaminant concentrations can saturate the catalytic active sites and inhibit photocatalytic activity [90].

4.1. pH Effects

The pH influences the surface charge of the MOF photocatalyst and the speciation of target contaminants [91]. This, in turn, affects the adsorption capacities and photocatalytic reaction rates. For cationic heavy metals, a higher pH often impairs adsorption due to a reduced positive surface charge. However, an extremely low pH can also inhibit photocatalytic activity. The optimal pH needs to be determined for each MOF–contaminant system. pH influences kinetics by altering the adsorption equilibrium [76].

4.2. Temperature Effects

Photocatalytic reaction rates typically increase with temperature, as per the Arrhenius equation [92]. However, very high temperatures may also impair adsorption capacities. Temperature changes can also affect contaminant solubility and mass transport rates to the photocatalyst’s surface. Moderate temperatures of 20–60 °C are most suitable, although operation at ambient temperatures is preferred [93].

4.3. Dosage Effects

Increasing MOF photocatalyst dosages provide more active sites and can improve contaminant removal. However, excessive dosages beyond the optimum level can reduce degradation efficiency due to light scattering, particle aggregation, and a reduced surface area [94].

4.4. Initial Concentration Effects

Photocatalytic degradation rates are influenced by the initial contaminant concentration, due to kinetic and adsorption equilibria [95]. Very high concentrations can saturate the active sites and inhibit degradation. The optimization of initial concentrations is important [96].

5. Applications

5.1. Lead Removal

MIL-53(Al)-FA, a fumaric acid-modified MIL-53(Al) MOF, displayed an excellent Pb(II) adsorption capacity of 323.67 mg/g and rapid adsorption kinetics. It also exhibited the selective photoreduction of Pb(II) to Pb(0) under visible light irradiation [97].
CdS quantum dots, coupled with NH2-MIL-125(Ti) MOFs, showed synergy for enhanced Pb(II) removal. The optimal CdS/MOFs composite achieved 95.2% Pb(II) removal efficiency within 150 min under visible light [41].
Bio-MOFs-1, derived from biomass precursors, were effective for Pb(II) removal through combined adsorption and photocatalytic reduction mechanisms. A removal efficiency of 98.7% was reached in 120 min [26].

5.2. Mercury Remediation

Cysteine-functionalized MOFs (Cys-MIL-101) displayed excellent Hg(II) adsorption capacity (408 mg/g) and photocatalytic reduction performance, driven by Hg(II)-thiol coordination chemistry [98].
The Ag/ZIF-8 hybrid nanostructures exhibited synergistic effects between Ag nanoplasmonic transduction and ZIF-8 adsorption for the removal of Hg(II) ions from water. The Ag/ZIF-8 composites were magnetically separable for reuse [99,100].

5.3. Chromium Treatment

Azo-linked mesoporous MOFs showed excellent Cr(VI) removal capacity (501 mg/g) and photocatalytic reduction to less toxic Cr(III) species under solar light irradiation [101,102].
MIL-100(Fe) MOFs, modified with amine groups, were able to efficiently adsorb and photo-catalytically reduce Cr(VI) to Cr(III), which remained captured in the pores of the MOFs, preventing leaching [103,104,105].
Bio-MOFs-11, synthesized using fumaric acid and melamine precursors, rapidly reduced Cr(VI) within 30 min through a coupled adsorption–photocatalysis process [103].

6. Kinetic Modeling Research

Understanding reaction kinetics and developing appropriate mathematical models is critical for optimizing and implementing MOF-based photocatalytic systems for real-world water treatment applications. Kinetic investigations provide vital insights into the complex interplay between coupled processes such as mass transport, adsorption, charge transfer, and surface redox reactions that dictate treatment efficiency. These models allow the prediction of system performance under varied operating conditions and contaminant types. Robust kinetics and models enable rational MOF synthesis and reactor design for effective scaled-up photocatalytic treatment. Both experimental and simulation efforts to advance kinetics and modeling frameworks are, thus, integral to facilitating the translation of promising MOF photocatalysts into sustainable water purification technologies.
In this section, key aspects of kinetics and modeling that are applied to MOF photocatalysis for removing heavy metal ions, organic pollutants, and microbes from water are reviewed. The discussion illustrates the multifaceted reaction networks involved and highlights recent efforts to develop integrated kinetics models incorporating coupled adsorption, interfacial transfer, light absorption, contaminant degradation, and mass transport effects that influence the overall treatment rates and efficiencies.

6.1. Photomineralization Kinetics

The photocatalytic degradation of heavy metals and organic pollutants has been widely analyzed using the Langmuir–Hinshelwood models, which integrate reactant concentration and surface coverage effects [106]. Recent studies have developed more complex kinetic models to account for photonic efficiency, active sites, intermediates, and competitive adsorption between multiple contaminants [107].
Photomineralization kinetics directly influence disinfection rates because competition for active sites and surface intermediates can impede microbe inactivation. Particle transport also affects mineralization by altering the contaminant diffusion to catalytic sites.

6.2. Photo-Disinfection Kinetics

Empirical Chick–Watson, Hom, and other models are commonly applied to model the photocatalytic inactivation kinetics of microbes [108]. Mechanistic models based on Langmuir–Hinshelwood kinetics have also emerged to describe multi-step damage processes [109].
Photonic utilization efficiency is critical for photocatalytic disinfection. Transport effects that reduce light penetration into photocatalyst particles will, in turn, lower disinfection rates.

6.3. Particle Transport Effects

Mass transfer resistances and the particle diffusion effects strongly influence the observed photocatalytic reaction rates. Recent works have incorporated these factors into kinetic models using scaling relationships, along with particle size and reactor hydrodynamics [110,111,112].
The movement and aggregation of photocatalyst particles dictate the contaminant adsorption rates and light absorption, thereby affecting both photomineralization and disinfection kinetics (Table 5).

7. Life Cycle Assessment

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is an invaluable methodology by which to evaluate the sustainability of emerging technologies such as MOFs for heavy metal remediation. By examining the environmental impacts over the entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to synthesis, application, and end-of-life, LCA provides a comprehensive analysis of the technology’s green credentials.
Some key impact metrics that are relevant to the photocatalytic application of MOFs are included in Table 6 [15]:
Embodied energy—energy utilized for materials synthesis and processing;
Global warming potential—greenhouse gas emissions across the life cycle;
Eutrophication potential—the impacts on aquatic ecosystems caused by discharges;
Human health criteria—exposure to hazardous substances.
Recent LCA studies on MOF synthesis have revealed high solvent usage, energy demands, and metal emissions as the current challenges [28]. However, photocatalysis with MOFs offers clear environmental advantages over conventional coagulation and ion exchange processes for heavy metal removal [1].
The circular economy potential of MOFs depends on the effective recycling of metals and ligands after water treatment [2], reducing the need for continuous virgin resource extraction. Advancements in more sustainable and greener MOF synthesis using biogenic or waste precursors are also promising [3].
Nevertheless, comprehensive LCA data that are directly relevant to MOFs for heavy metal photocatalysis are still scarce. Uncertainty in terms of long-term stability, reusability, and emissions during application warrants further research. Hybrid techno-economic analysis and LCA will also be crucial for scaling up production [4].
This LCA perspective aligns with the overall goal of this review in highlighting the potential of MOFs as photocatalysts for sustainable heavy metal remediation, while also elucidating the current knowledge gaps and future research needs. Further development of LCA methodologies tailored to MOFs can strengthen the environmental viability of this technology.

8. Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite the immense potential of MOFs as photocatalysts for heavy metal remediation, several challenges need to be addressed.
The limited stability and recyclability of some MOFs in aqueous media is a key challenge [41,119,120]. Developing MOFs with exceptional chemical, mechanical and thermal stability is required. Mass transfer limitations and diffusion barriers can reduce efficiency [43]. The limited stability and recyclability of some MOFs in aqueous media is a key challenge [121,122,123,124]. Developing MOFs with exceptional chemical, mechanical, and thermal stability is required. Preventing the leaching of metal ions and photocorrosion through structural modifications and composite formation is necessary [103,125]. Optimizing MOF pore sizes, particle sizes, and crystal morphologies is important. High material and synthesis costs could hinder large-scale adoption [46]. Exploring sustainable biosynthetic routes using inexpensive precursors is worthwhile. Performance should be assessed under real wastewater conditions, considering the effects of solution chemistry and interfering species [126]. Preventing the leaching of metal ions and photocorrosion through structural modifications and composite formation is necessary [127]. Scaling up fabrication while retaining control over morphology and properties is required [128]. Continuous flow and 3D printing synthesis methods are promising, but there is a lack of pilot-scale testing under solar illumination [129]. Finally, performance evaluation needs to shift from the laboratory to the real world.
Future prospects for advancing MOF photocatalysts include:
Developing novel visible-light responsive MOFs using conjugated ligands and doping [130]. Hybridizing with carbon materials such as graphene to enhance conductivity [131]. Incorporating plasmonic nanoparticles to facilitate hot electron transfer [132,133]. Exploring computational modeling to guide rational design [129,134,135]. Immobilizing MOFs on supports such as fibers and membranes for reuse [136,137]. Developing MOF-based composites and devices for practical applications [138,139].

9. Conclusions

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as a promising class of porous materials for removing toxic heavy metals from contaminated water sources. While metal-organic frameworks present tremendous potential for efficient and sustainable heavy metal remediation, ongoing efforts are needed to address the issues of stability, recyclability, scalable synthesis, and practical reactor engineering. The tunable chemical structures and ultrahigh surface areas of MOFs allow heavy metal ions to be captured efficiently through size exclusion, adsorption, and photocatalysis. Key advances covered in this review include the tailoring of MOF composition using strategies such as metal node engineering, functionalized organic linkers, defect incorporation, and morphology control to optimize their adsorptive and redox properties.
Upon photoirradiation, MOFs generate reactive species, leading to photocatalytic oxidation and the reduction of heavy metals. The elucidation of mechanisms involving light harvesting, charge separation, contaminant adsorption, and interfacial redox reactions is crucial for designing optimal MOF photocatalysts. This review discussed the various applications of rationally designed MOFs for removing hazardous heavy metals including mercury, chromium, arsenic, lead, and cadmium from water through coupled adsorption-photocatalysis. While metal-organic frameworks present tremendous potential for efficient and sustainable heavy metal remediation, ongoing efforts are needed to address the issues of stability, recyclability, scalable synthesis, and practical reactor engineering. Hybridizing MOFs with plasmonic nanometals, carbon materials, and other photocatalysts could further enhance their visible light-harvesting capacity and charge separation. Their immobilization over supports improves their reusability and integration into continuous flow systems.
With increasing research advances in synthesis, characterization, and computational modeling, MOFs represent a versatile platform for developing next-generation photocatalytic technologies to address the significant global challenge of heavy metal pollution. Moving forward, pilot-scale testing under realistic conditions and life cycle assessments will be crucial to evaluate the promise of MOFs as green solutions for heavy metal removal and water purification.

Author Contributions

Q.M.: Writing—original draft. Y.L.: Conceptualization. B.X. and J.C.: Methodology, analysis, and experiment design. B.Y. and Y.T.: Investigation and writing—review and editing. Y.Z.: Supervision and resources. J.H.: Supervision. Q.W. (Qihong Wu) and Q.W. (Qingyuan Wang): Resources. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This work was financially supported by the Open Fund of Sichuan Provincial Engineering Research Center of City Solid Waste Energy and Building Materials Conversion & Utilization Technology (GF2022ZC012), and Key Laboratory of Coarse Cereal Processing, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sichuan Engineering & Technology Research Center of Coarse Cereal Industrialization (2020CC020).

Institutional Review Board Statement

Not applicable.

Informed Consent Statement

Not applicable.

Data Availability Statement

Not applicable.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interest or personal relationship that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Sample Availability

Not applicable.

Nomenclature

CConcentration of contaminant; mg/L
C0Initial concentration of contaminant; mg/L
kReaction rate constant; varies
krIntrinsic reaction rate constant; s−1
KAdsorption equilibrium constant; L/mg
tIrradiation time; min
rReaction rate; mg/L∙min
θSurface coverage; dimensionless
qAdsorbed amount; mg/g
QtAdsorbed amount at time t; mg/g
QeAdsorbed amount at equilibrium; mg/g
NNumber of viable microbes at time t
N0Initial number of viable microbes
FPhoton flux; mW/cm2
DDiffusion coefficient; m2/s
dpParticle diameter; m

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Molecules 28 06681 g001
Figure 1. Heavy metal pollution sources.
Figure 1. Heavy metal pollution sources.
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Figure 2. Wastewater heavy metal removal methods.
Figure 2. Wastewater heavy metal removal methods.
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Figure 3. The various strategies employed when designing MOF photocatalysts.
Figure 3. The various strategies employed when designing MOF photocatalysts.
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Figure 4. Mechanisms involved in the MOF-based photocatalytic removal of heavy metals.
Figure 4. Mechanisms involved in the MOF-based photocatalytic removal of heavy metals.
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Table 1. Conventional and emerging technologies for heavy metal removal from wastewater.
Table 1. Conventional and emerging technologies for heavy metal removal from wastewater.
MethodMaterialsAdvantagesDisadvantagesFuture Directions
Coagulation/FlocculationAlum, iron saltsWidely applied, effectiveSludge generationOptimizing biodegradable coagulants
Ion ExchangeResinsHighly effectiveExpensive resins, selectivity issuesAdvanced selective, reusable resins
Membrane FiltrationMicrofiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration membranesSize exclusion mechanismFouling issuesNovel membrane materials, module designs
AdsorptionActivated carbon, zeolites, clays, biomaterialsHigh uptake capacityLack of selectivity and reusabilityNew selective adsorbents
CementationIron, aluminum, zinc dustSimple applicationHigh dosages requiredProcess intensification
ElectrochemicalElectrocoagulation, electrodialysis, electroflotationRemoves a variety of metalsHigh energy demandsNew electrode materials
PhytoremediationPlants, algaeEnvironmentally friendlySlow, limited applicabilityBioengineering enhancements
BioremediationMicrobes, microbial communitiesIn situ treatmentDependent on adaptationMetagenomics approaches
PhotocatalysisTiO2, metal-organic frameworksComplete destruction, no sludgeEfficiency and recyclability challengesVisible-light MOFs as photocatalysts
Table 2. Design strategies employed to enhance MOFs for photocatalytic heavy metal remediation.
Table 2. Design strategies employed to enhance MOFs for photocatalytic heavy metal remediation.
StrategyDescriptionExample MOFsPerformance Metrics
Metal node tuningSelecting specific metal ions, including Cu, Fe, Zr, and Ti, to coordinate heavy metal ions through interactions such as ion exchange, electrostatic attraction, and π-complexationUiO-66-NH2 (Zr), MIL-125-NH2 (Ti), Cu-BTC (Cu), MIL-101-Fe (Fe)Hg(II) removal capacity: Cu-BTC 167 mg/g [16]; Cr(VI) removal %: MIL-101-Fe 96.8% [17]
Ligand functionalizationAdding functional groups such as -COOH, -NH2, -SH, and -SO3H to bind heavy metals through covalent, coordinative, and electrostatic interactionsMIL-53-NH2, MIL-68-NO2, MIL-100-SO3H, ZIF-8-SHPb(II) removal %: MIL-53-NH2 92.4% [18]; As(III) removal capacity: ZIF-8-SH 214 mg/g [19]
Heteroatom dopingDoping with N, S, and P to introduce mid-gap states for visible light absorption and improved charge separationN-doped ZIF-8, S-doped UiO-66, g-C3N4/Zn-MOFsCr(VI) removal %: N-ZIF-8 98.7% [20]; Pb(II) removal rate: S-UiO-66 0.455 min−1 [21]
Defect incorporationCreating defects through methods including acid treatment, annealing, and sonication to modify photocatalytic activityDefect-rich NH2-UiO-66, defect-engineered Cd-MOFsHg(II) removal %: Defect NH2-UiO-66 99.2% [22]; Degradation rate of RhB: Defect Cd-MOFs 2.1 × 10−3 min−1 [23]
HybridizationCoupling with g-C3N4, C-dots, TiO2, etc., to form heterojunctions for enhanced charge separationg-C3N4/CdS-MOFs, C-dots/NH2-MIL-125, TiO2/MIL-125Hg(II) removal %: g-C3N4/CdS-MOFs 96.4%; Pb(II) removal capacity: C-dots/NH2-MIL-125 342 mg/g [24]
Plasmonic particlesIncorporating Au and Ag nanoparticles to extend light absorption through surface plasmon resonanceAg/Zn-MOFs, Au/MIL-100Hg(II) removal %: [Zn(CPA)(DMF)]n 91.2% [25]; Pb(II) removal rate: Au/MIL-100 0.168 min−1 [26]
Morphology controlTailoring size, shape, and porosity (nanosheets and hollow structures) to optimize mass transfer and transportNH2-MIL-125 nanosheets, hollow Co-MOFsCr(VI) reduction rate: NH2-MIL-125 nanosheets 0.664 min-1 [27]; Hg(II) removal capacity: Hollow Co-MOFs 287 mg/g [28,29]
Co-catalystsAdding Pt and Pd nanoparticles to facilitate electron transfer to adsorbed substratesPt/MIL-101, Pd/UiO-66Pb(II) removal %: Pt/MIL-101 99.4% [30]; RhB degradation %: Pd/UiO-66 97.2% [31]
Table 3. MOF synthesis methods, categorized by reaction conditions.
Table 3. MOF synthesis methods, categorized by reaction conditions.
MOFs CategoriesSynthesis MethodMechanismAdsorption CapacityTarget Heavy MetalConditionRegenerationReferences
UiO-66-NH2SolvothermalPhotoreduction198.7 mg/gPb(II)STP4 cycles[48]
Cu-BTCHydrothermalPhotoreduction167.2 mg/gHg(II)STP5 cycles[33]
Cd-MOFsMicrowave-assistedPhotoreduction71.4 mg/gCr(VI)STP3 cycles[49]
MIL-53UltrasonicationPhoto-oxidation92.6 mg/gMethyl orange dye25 °C6 cycles[50]
Zn-MOFsSolvothermalPhoto-oxidation248.7 mg/gRhodamine B dyeSTP4 cycles[51]
NH2-MIL-125SolvothermalPhotoreduction175.4 mg/gAg(I)30 °C5 cycles[11,52]
ZIF-8STP synthesisPhoto-oxidation104.7 mg/gMethylene blue dye25 °C3 cycles[11]
Cu-BTC/GOHydrothermalPhotoreduction152.6 mg/gCd(II)STP4 cycles[14]
Fe-MIL-101SolvothermalPhotoreduction198.4 mg/gCr(VI)25 °C3 cycles[53]
UiO-66Microwave-assistedPhoto-oxidation167.9 mg/gOrange II dyeSTP5 cycles[45]
STP: Standard Temperature and Pressure.
Table 4. The mechanisms involved in the MOF-based photocatalytic removal of heavy metals.
Table 4. The mechanisms involved in the MOF-based photocatalytic removal of heavy metals.
MechanismDescriptionExample MOF Systems
Light HarvestingExciting electrons from the valence band to the conduction band upon light irradiation. Extended by strategies including bandgap tuning, plasmonic metal incorporation, etc.Au/UiO-66 and Pt/MIL-101(Cr) [45,46]
Charge SeparationPhotogenerated e—h+ separation via transfer to different sites to prevent recombination. Enabled by heterojunctions with metals, ligands, and hybridized materials.g-C3N4/CdS-MOFs and Ti-MOFs [46,56]
Heavy Metal AdsorptionAdsorption of target heavy metal ions via interactions such as π-complexation, electrostatic attraction, and covalent bonding.-NH2, -COOH, -SH functionalized MOFs for Hg(II), Pb(II), Cd(II) [57,58,59]
Reduction MechanismsReduction of toxic metals such as Cr(VI), Hg(II), Cu(II) to lower oxidation states by electrons and superoxide radicals.Cu-BTC for the reduction of Hg(II), Cr(VI) [33]
Oxidation MechanismsOxidative degradation of organic ligands and partial oxidation of metal ions by holes, •OH and •O2 radicals.NH2-UiO-66 for oxidation of the PCP ligand and As(III) [23,60]
MineralizationComplete decomposition of organics and conversion of metals to harmless ions, including carbonates, water etc.MIL-125-NH2 for the mineralization of RhB dye [61,62]
Table 5. The kinetic models applied to analyze the MOF-based photocatalytic degradation of heavy metals and organic pollutants.
Table 5. The kinetic models applied to analyze the MOF-based photocatalytic degradation of heavy metals and organic pollutants.
MOFs/MaterialsMetalsKinetic ModelRate ExpressionReference
NH2-MIL-125(Ti)Cr(VI)Langmuir–Hinshelwoodr = kθC/(1 + KC)[113]
Ag/ZIF-8Hg(II)Pseudo-first-orderln(C0/C) = k′t[114]
UiO-66-NH2Pb(II)Pseudo-second-ordert/Qt = 1/k′Qe2 + t/Qe[115]
MIL-53(Fe)Cd(II)Elovichqt = (1/β)ln(αβ) + (1/β)lnt[116]
Zr-fumNi(II)Intraparticle diffusionqt = k′√t[113,117]
Cysteine-MIL-101Hg(II)Chick–Watsonln(N/N0) = −k′C′t[113,117]
Cd-MOFsE. coliHomln(N/N0) = −k′C′ntm−1[118]
Table 6. Key impact metrics for a life cycle assessment of MOFs used in photocatalytic heavy metal remediation.
Table 6. Key impact metrics for a life cycle assessment of MOFs used in photocatalytic heavy metal remediation.
Impact MetricDescription
Embodied energyEnergy utilized for materials synthesis and processing
GWPGreenhouse gas emissions across life cycle
Eutrophication potentialImpacts on aquatic ecosystems from discharges
Human health criteriaExposure to hazardous substances
Material useConsumption of resources, recyclability
Synthesis greennessUse of biogenic/waste precursors, benign solvents
Stability/reusabilityLifetime, metal leaching, structural integrity
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Ma, Q.; Li, Y.; Tan, Y.; Xu, B.; Cai, J.; Zhang, Y.; Wang, Q.; Wu, Q.; Yang, B.; Huang, J. Recent Advances in Metal-Organic Framework (MOF)-Based Photocatalysts: Design Strategies and Applications in Heavy Metal Control. Molecules 2023, 28, 6681. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28186681

AMA Style

Ma Q, Li Y, Tan Y, Xu B, Cai J, Zhang Y, Wang Q, Wu Q, Yang B, Huang J. Recent Advances in Metal-Organic Framework (MOF)-Based Photocatalysts: Design Strategies and Applications in Heavy Metal Control. Molecules. 2023; 28(18):6681. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28186681

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Ma, Qiang, Yunling Li, Yawen Tan, Bowen Xu, Jun Cai, Yingjie Zhang, Qingyuan Wang, Qihong Wu, Bowen Yang, and Jin Huang. 2023. "Recent Advances in Metal-Organic Framework (MOF)-Based Photocatalysts: Design Strategies and Applications in Heavy Metal Control" Molecules 28, no. 18: 6681. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28186681

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