Unveiling the potential of metal-organic framework-based membranes: Transforming material science for a sustainable future

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted the attention of researchers in the field of separation technology. Their importance arises from their well-designed porous structure, the simplicity of their manufacturing process, and their ability to be tailored for specific applications. These properties have gained considerable interest in investigating the potential of MOFs across various membrane-based separation processes. In this comprehensive review, we provide an overview of the key properties and fabrication methods of MOF-based materials, focusing on their use as adsorbents and membranes. This analysis establishes the framework for a detailed examination of the separation mechanisms, emphasizing the structural attributes of nanochannels, pore dimensionality, and chemical functionalities. The separation mechanisms are analyzed comprehensively, with a focus on the unique characteristics of adsorption-driven and membrane-based separation processes. Furthermore, the review investigates the opportunities and challenges associated with the fabrication of pure MOF films and mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs), identifying both established and novel applications of MOF-based separation methodologies. Finally, this review provides the perspectives on the role of MOFs in adsorption and membrane separation, assessing the ongoing technological progress in MOF applications and identifying both the challenges and potential within this rapidly evolving domain.