Recent advances in metal–organic frameworks for water absorption and their applications

Potable water and energy shortage have become global issues. With the limited water adsorption performance and regeneration conditions of traditional water adsorbents, innovation in water adsorbents has significant practical implications. Due to the abundant varieties of adsorption sites and their adjustable pore structures, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are considered promising water adsorbents with tailorable regeneration conditions, controllable absorption humidity range, and superior water capacity. Herein, we combed through the development of water-uptake MOFs. Their water absorption mechanisms and strategies are summarized through analysis of typical examples. In addition, the recent advances of MOFs focused on atmospheric water harvesting, indoor humidity control, adsorption-driven heat pumps, and industrial chemical dehydration are reviewed. Finally, the possible challenges in the evolving prospects are predicted and the corresponding solutions are proposed.