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Metal-organic framework membrane for waterborne micro/nanoplastics treatment
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Researchers reviewed the potential of metal-organic framework (MOF) membranes — materials with highly tunable pore structures — to filter micro- and nanoplastics from water more effectively than conventional filtration. MOF membranes showed promise due to their adjustable surface chemistry and resistance to biological fouling, though challenges like particle clumping and structural stability still need to be resolved.
Micro/nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) are widespread and pose a significant threat to the environment. Conventional polymeric membrane filtration struggles to completely remove MPs/NPs from water and wastewater. However, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs)-based membranes have gained attention due to their potential in tunable hydrophilicity, pore structure, low surface roughness, dual surface charge, compatibility with matrix materials, and resistance to biofouling. This article critically analyzes the factors affecting the performance of MOF membranes in removing MPs/NPs, the interaction mechanism, the limitations of conventional filtration systems, and the potential advantages of MOF membranes. Despite their promising potential, MOF-based membranes also face challenges such as re-aggregation of MOF nanoparticles, cross-contamination during water filtration and poor structural stability. This paper also discusses how to mitigate these problems by incorporating different matrix materials with MOFs. Overall, MOF membranes have a high potential in removing MPs/NPs from water and wastewater.
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Microplastics removal from aqueous environment by metal organic frameworks
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This review examines how metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), a class of advanced porous materials, can remove 70-99.9% of microplastics from water in laboratory settings. MOFs can be customized with specific pore sizes and chemical properties to target different types of microplastics. While challenges remain with cost and scaling up, this technology shows promise for developing more effective water treatment systems to reduce human exposure to microplastics in drinking water.
Defect-engineered metal organic framework thin film nanocomposite membranes for enhanced forward osmosis performance and microplastic antifouling
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Researchers engineered a new type of water filtration membrane by embedding specially designed metal-organic framework (MOF) particles into a thin film, achieving a three-fold increase in water flow rate while also becoming significantly more resistant to fouling by microplastics compared to standard membranes. The MOF particles were given controlled structural defects that created additional water transport pathways and made the membrane surface more water-attracting, reducing plastic particle adhesion. More efficient, fouling-resistant membranes could improve the viability of advanced water treatment systems for removing microplastics.
Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for Adsorption and Degradation of Microplastics
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This review examines metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), a class of porous materials, as a promising technology for capturing and breaking down microplastics in water. MOFs offer advantages over traditional filtration because they can be designed to target specific plastic types and sizes. While still mostly tested in laboratories, MOF-based approaches could help close the gap in water treatment where conventional methods fail to remove the smallest and most harmful microplastic particles.
Microplastics-resistant FO membranes: Zwitterionic MOF nanoparticles for superior fouling control
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Researchers developed a new type of forward osmosis membrane modified with zwitterionic metal-organic framework nanoparticles to resist fouling by microplastics. The modified membranes showed a 73 percent improvement in water-attracting properties and only a 17 percent decline in water flow during fouling tests, compared to 60 percent for unmodified membranes. The technology could improve the efficiency of water treatment systems that need to handle microplastic-contaminated water.
Fabrication of dual-charged MOF-based ultrafiltration membrane to remove charged nanoplastics from wastewater
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Researchers developed a new type of water filter membrane that can remove over 99% of nanoplastics from wastewater while maintaining high water flow. The membrane uses metal-organic framework nanoparticles that repel plastic particles through electrical charges and physical filtering. This technology could help prevent nanoplastics, which are too small for conventional filters, from reaching drinking water sources.
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