MOF-based films for environmental health

Abstract

Addressing environmental health issues is a critical milestone to achieve “One Health” mission with increasing incidents of unchecked pollution caused by large-scale urbanization and industrialization. In recent decades, nanotechnology has emerged as a powerful tool to offer an effective solution to this as it enables the creation of new functionalities at the nanoscale through the precise control and manipulation of material structures and properties. For many advanced applications in nanotechnology, the method of structuring metal–organic framework (MOF) particles into composites with specific macroscopic morphology (such as thin films) is highly applicable. Therefore, a growing body of research has shown that MOF-based films have unique advantages in environmental health applications by combining the high permeability and mechanical robustness of polymer nanofibers with the tunable pore structure and high selectivity of MOF nanocrystals. Through the synergistic effects, they exhibit excellent flexibility, self-supporting capability, and controllable morphology, effectively preventing particle agglomeration and simplifying the recovery process. In this review, two common methods for preparing MOF-based films are introduced: direct electrospinning and surface in situ growth. Both methods enable efficient film preparation while maintaining the material’s performance. The review then provides a detailed discussion of the practical applications of MOF-based films in various environmental health fields, such as water treatment, air pollutant filtration, electromagnetic wave absorption, chemical warfare agent detoxification, wearable sensors, and antimicrobial materials, highlighting their significant effects on improving environmental quality and protecting human health. Finally, the main challenges associated with the practical application of MOF-based films are analyzed, and future development prospects are outlined. Continued research and optimization of MOF-based films are expected to play a crucial role in addressing environmental health issues, providing technological support for creating a healthier and more sustainable environment.