Critical Perspectives on Metal-Organic Frameworks and Their Composites for the Adsorptive Removal of Antibiotics from Wastewater Matrices

Antibiotics have recently emerged as a significant class of organic pollutants for ground and drinking water and have raised widespread concern due to their adverse environmental consequences. For instance, they stimulate the generation of antibiotic-resistant genes that have detrimental effects on the entire biosphere. The removal of these antibiotics from water matrices has always remained a daunting task. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with a high surface area, tunable porosity, rich structural chemistry, and tailorability have grabbed immense attention recently for the efficient adsorptive removal of various antibiotics via strong host-guest interactions. Here, in this Perspective, we have rationally reviewed the state-of-the-art advancements of MOFs and their composites for the adsorptive removal of various antibiotic classes. Moreover, different strategies to improve the adsorption of antibiotics and the factors affecting the adsorption are critically presented. Various types of antibiotics are categorically organized, and their removal with these systems is critically discussed. Advantages and pitfalls of MOFs over other classical porous materials are particularly stated from both academic and industrial viewpoints. Finally, the challenges and future outlook are discussed to guide further development of multifunctional MOF-based materials for the efficient adsorptive removal of various antibiotic classes.