Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) in mixed matrix membranes

Abstract

Mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) have emerged as a promising approach for developing new, stable, and highly effective gas and liquid separation materials. MMMs combine porous crystalline framework materials, such as Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs), as fillers incorporated in a polymer matrix. This article comprehensively reviews MMM research, discussing the structure and properties of MOFs, COFs, and HOFs and their attractiveness for use in MMMs. The article also reviews the use of mixed matrix filtration membranes with MOFs, COFs, and HOFs for various water treatment and gas separation applications. The potential of MMMs for meeting the needs of different industries is demonstrated through the discussion of specific examples. Overall, this article highlights the significant potential of MMM technology for developing next-generation separation materials and attempts to cover the most recent progress in the design and deployment of MOFs, COFs and HOFs-based MMMs, as are the remaining obstacles and prospects. This work also highlights the enormous potential of these materials for separation applications and raises attention toward the economic aspect and market diffusion of such MMMs.