Table 3 Research directions, that can evolve MOFs into practical, scalable solutions for sustainable water treatment, meeting the global demand for clean water with enhanced efficiency and environmental responsibility

From: Advancing wastewater treatment with green and scalable metal–organic frameworks: from synthetic strategies to real-world deployment

Research area

Specific direction

Target outcome

Synthesis

Continuous-flow mechanochemical reactors

Synthesis time < 30 min, yield > 90%

Synthesis

CFMW with multiplexed reactors

Consistent BET surface area > 1000 m2/g

Synthesis

Supercritical CO2 synthesis

Production cost < $ 20/kg

Performance Validation

Pilot-scale demonstrations

Removal efficiency > 90%

Performance Validation

Nuclear waste treatment

Selective sequestration

Stability

MOF–hydrogel composites

Lifespan > 6 months

Regeneration

pH-triggered desorption

Restore > 95% capacity

Selectivity

Thiol functionalization

Kd > 105 mL/g for Hg2+

Anti-Fouling

Zwitterionic coatings

Maintain > 80% performance

Economic Analysis

Techno-economic analyses

Treatment cost < $ 0.50/m3