Application of Metal-Organic Framework Adsorbents for Water Defluoridation

Abstract

Defluoridation of drinking water is a subject of great concern due to the side effects of exposure to fluorine such as fluorosis, damage to vital organs such as the brain, liver, and kidney, among others. Fluorine finds itself in water resources both by geological and anthropogenic processes. Adsorption still remains the popular method of defluoridation and water treatment in general due to its inherent advantages such as simplicity and low-cost. This chapter discusses at length the up-to-date data on the preparation and adsorption capacities of metal-organic framework (MOF) materials as emerging adsorbents for sequestration of fluoride from water. Their synthesis, efficiency, and suggested adsorption mechanisms are examined. It is demonstrated that MOFs are low-cost, efficient, and environmentally benign alternative adsorbents for the removal of fluoride from aqueous solution.