Recent advances in the capture and abatement of toxic gases and vapors by metal-organic frameworks

The release of toxic gases and vapors into the atmosphere has been a growing threat to the environment and human health. Thus, the capture and abatement of these air pollutants is of global importance. In this regard, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with high porosity, structural diversity, and customized functionality show great promise in this environmental remediation application. This review will discuss the merits of MOFs in the capture of toxic gases and vapors, as well as principles and strategies for the design and optimization of these materials for specific gas capture and separation. Recent progress in the adsorption and capture of toxic industrial gases (SO2, NO2, NH3, H2S, and CO), volatile organic vapors (hydrocarbons, and hydroxyl and carbonyl compounds), volatile radioactive species (radioactive iodine, organic iodine, and noble gases), and gaseous chemical warfare agents, as well as mercury vapor from the air with MOFs is summarized.