A review on metal-organic frameworks for the removal of hazardous environmental contaminants

[Display omitted] •Applications of MOF based adsorbents in pollutant removal from aqueous solution.•MOF offer great potential for the removal of dyes, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, heavy metals, radioactive metals, and toxic gases.•Effect of operating parameters and mechanism of interactions are elucidated.•Further research is needed to enhance commercial acceptance of MOF. Efficient elimination of hazardous organic and inorganic pollutants, remains a difficult task from the ecological viewpoint because of their deleterious impact on the environment and living organism. Highly porous metal–organic frameworks (MOF), are emerging as a potential material in the field of capturing various types of hazardous organic and inorganic pollutants. This article addresses the performance of various modified MOF to remove various toxic contaminants, including dyes, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, heavy metals, radioactive metals, and toxic gases (NH3, COx, NOx, SO2, and VOCs). Because of the poor water stability of MOF, pre- and post-synthetic functionalization and modification of MOF have also been studied. Aspects pertain to the interaction mechanisms between selected pollutant and MOF-based composite are comprehensively described. The adsorption characteristic of numerous MOF-based composites are examined and compared with those of other commonly used adsorbents. Still, further research into the actual viability and usability of MOF as adsorbents on a commercial scale is required. For more efficient and practicable application of MOF, some expected and unobserved aspects were also presented as the prospects and challenges to instill the significant enhancement in mitigating various contaminants. Despite the existence of drawbacks and difficulties related to the usage of MOF, these materials are irrefutably beneficial for the confiscation of contaminants from the environment.