Metal-Organic Framework Composites for Photocatalytic Water Purification

The rapid rise in photocatalytic technology with efficient removal capabilities has attracted wide attention. Recently, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), a kind of coordination polymers, have also been applied in the field of photocatalytic water purification due to their characteristics such as high specific surface area and adjustable pore structure. However, the weak water stability, low reutilization rate, and poor photocatalytic ability of the constructed MOFs restrict their application in environmental remediation. To tackle these problems, many researchers have devoted themselves to designing highly efficient MOF-based composites by adding other substances. This chapter mainly focuses on the research status of MOF-based composites in the photocatalytic elimination of various pollutants from water. Additionally, the synthetic strategies for MOFs and their composite materials as well as for photodegradation of pollutants in water are reviewed and exemplified. The possible removal mechanisms of some MOF-based composites have also been briefly analyzed. Finally, the achievements and prospects on future research of MOFs and their composite materials have been described in detail.

Keywords: Adsorption, Metal-organic framework composites, Photocatalysis, Water purification, Water treatment.