Multi-metallic MOF based composites for environmental applications: synergizing metal centers and interactions

1432 | Nanoscale Horiz., 2024, 9, 1432–1474 This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2024 Cite this: Nanoscale Horiz., 2024, 9, 1432 Multi-metallic MOF based composites for environmental applications: synergizing metal centers and interactions Wei Wang, a Bergoi Ibarlucea, ab Chuanhui Huang, c Renhao Dong, c Muhannad Al Aiti, * ad Shirong Huang * a and Gianaurelio Cuniberti* a The escalating threat of environmental issues to both nature and humanity over the past two decades underscores the urgency of addressing environmental pollutants. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as highly promising materials for tackling these challenges. Since their rise in popularity, extensive research has been conducted on MOFs, spanning from design and synthesis to a wide array of applications, such as environmental remediation, gas storage and separation, catalysis, sensors, biomedical and drug delivery systems, energy storage and conversion, and optoelectronic devices, etc. MOFs possess a multitude of advantageous properties such as large specific surface area, tunable porosity, diverse pore structures, multi-channel design, and molecular sieve capabilities, etc., making them particularly attractive for environmental applications. MOF-based composites inherit the excellent properties of MOFs and also exhibit unique physicochemical properties and structures. The tailoring of central coordinated metal ions in MOFs is critical for their adaptability in environmental applications. Although many reviews on monometallic, bimetallic, and polymetallic MOFs have been published, few reviews focusing on MOF-based composites with monometallic, bimetallic, and multi-metallic centers in the context of environmental pollutant treatment have been reported. This review addresses this gap by providing an in-depth overview of the recent progress in MOF-based composites, emphasizing their applications in hazardous gas sensing, electromagnetic wave absorption (EMWA), and pollutant degradation in both aqueous and atmospheric environments and highlighting the importance of the number and type of metal centers present. Additionally, the various categories of MOFs are summarized. MOF-based composites demonstrate significant promise in addressing environmental challenges, and this review provides a clear and valuable perspective on their potential in environmental applications. 1. Introduction Environmental issues, including massive emissions of hazardous gases and sewage, harmful electromagnetic wave pollution, as well as water pollution issues have become increasingly severe, with advancing human activity. One of the most effective and reliable solutions for the disposal of environmental pollutants at present is materials technology. In the past decades, various types of nanomaterials have been explored and applied. However, an unsatisfying fact is that new materials are obtained after a long period of exploration, although it is undeniable that they can effectively solve some problems. However, as the problems become more complicated, the material obviously encounters its own bottleneck. This result leads to prolongation of the materials research. Repeatedly, the efficiency of solving problems has been greatly reduced. Therefore, multifunctional, versatile materials attracted a great deal of interests in addressing environmental issues. The materials in question for detection, absorption and degradation of pollutants in both aqueous and atmospheric environments will provide a platform, where pollutant molecules can be detected and they will interact with each other on the surface activated sites to be further absorbed and degraded. The abundant activated sites originated from a large specific surface area, and extra electrons and holes come from a Institute for Materials Science and Max Bergmann Center for Biomaterials, TUD Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, 01062, Germany. E-mail: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] b TECNALIA, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Donostia-San Sebastian, 20009, Spain c Center for Advancing Electronics Dresden & Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, TUD Dresden University of Technology, Mommsenstrasse 4, 01062 Dresden, Germany d Dresden Center for Nanoanalysis, Technische Universita ¨t Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany Received 1st April 2024, Accepted 3rd July 2024 DOI: 10.1039/d4nh00140k rsc.li/nanoscale-horizons Nanoscale Horizons REVIEW Published on 08 July 2024. Downloaded on 11/14/2025 6:41:18 AM. View Article Online View Journal | View Issue This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2024 Nanoscale Horiz., 2024, 9, 1432–1474 | 1433 heterogeneous atoms, heterogeneous interfaces and defects. Additionally, the porous structure of the material, good electrical conductivity, magnetic properties and the matching characteristics of the two are critical for dealing with electromagnetic pollution. Among other electromagnetic wave absorbing (EMWA) materials that are still widely applied so far carbonyl iron and graphene may be found. The former shows high magnetic permeability, but the disadvantages such as single loss mechanism, narrow absorption frequency band, and weak absorption performance limit its further value. Moreover, the latter exhibits excellent conductivity characteristics, its poor impedance matching characteristics and high filling degree also limit its application. 1,2 TiO 2 was first used in photocatalysis to degrade refractory organic pollutants and heavy metal ions, 3,4 but TiO 2 itself has an extremely low utilization rate of sunlight, that is, it can only absorb and utilize UV which accounts for only 5% of sunlight. It is powerless to nearly 45% of visible light. Until the multifunctional materials with multiple unique advantages emerge, metal organic frameworks (MOFs), as potential multifunctional materials, greatly improve the efficiency of material exploration and shows endless possibilities. MOFs are a class of crystalline porous coordination polymers consisting of metal ions or clusters and organic ligands. However, in the past, there has been a lack of generally accepted definition of the hybrid assembly of anionic polymers and cationic clusters. 5–14 A consensus was reached when the work of Hoskins and Robson on MOFs was reported in 1990, which marks a new beginning in their study. 15 Yaghi’s group 16 synthesized and characterized MOF-5 in a groundbreaking work, in which 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate (BDC) as a ligand and Zn 2+ as a metallic ion were used being to date the most investigated MOF material. This work is groundbreaking in terms of MOF. MOFs play an important role and value as a new functional material system in many fields. 17–27 Due to their structural assembly, they show unique structural advantages, such as being multi-space, multi-components, multimorphological and tailorable, which endow MOFs many characteristics, including high specific surface area, open metal site, high porosity and structural diversity. Consequentially, MOF-based composites inherit the excellent properties of MOFs, but also exhibit different physicochemical properties and structures. Over the last two decades, MOF-based composites have shown continuous popularity in environmental applications (Fig. 1). A substantial body of research on MOF-based composites has yielded promising outcomes in addressing environmental concerns. 28–46 MOF-based composites possess promising porosity, pore size, specific surface area, microstructure, redox properties, and polarity to exhibit excellent hazardous gas sensing. 47–65 Large specific surface area from MOFbased composites provides rich reaction sites and strong light absorption and utilization rate, leading to remarkable effects in photocatalytic degradation of hazardous gases 66–70 and water remediation. 71–75 In the meantime, the porous structure derived from organic linkers, the good electrical conductivity, the magnetic properties provided by the magnetic metal from the metal center, and the electromagnetic matching properties that can be tailored, have become the advantages of MOF-based composites in EMWA. 18,76–79 So far, there have been various reviews in terms of environmental applications. 80–90 Bimetallic MOFs and their derivatives with special emphases on their preparation and applications were reported. 91,92 These works focused on synthetic strategies, and the development of bimetallic MOFs and their derivatives for a variety of applications, summarizing the findings on the influence of polymetallic ions on MOFs, highlighting the challenges associated with their compatibility, and focusing on the techniques employed for the synthesis and characterization of polymetallic MOFs. Additionally, the review about the state-of-the-art on bimetallic MOFs and derived composites for the main current types of electroand photoelectroncatalytic applications was reported. 93 Uniquely, the review about mixed-metal metal–organic frameworks was reported to focus on synthetic approaches, characterization techniques, computational techniques, catalysis, and gas adsorption and separation applications. 94 Furthermore, numerous related reviews have been published, each summarizing the development and various applications of MOF-based materials from diverse perspectives. These reviews are integral to advancing the field. 95,96 However, few reviews provide a comprehensive overview in treatment of environmental pollutants: (a) monometallic, bimetallic, and multi-metallic MOF-based composites; (b) focusing on various effects on different central metal types for MOF-based composites; (c) as sensing materials for hazardous gas detection, as absorber deals with EMW pollution, as photocatalysts degrade pollutant molecules both in aqueous and atmospheric environments. In this review, we aim to comb the recent progress in MOFbased composites characterized by monometallic, bimetallic, Fig. 1 Number of published papers of MOF-based composites from 2004 to 2023 for gas sensing (red), EMWA (green), water remediation (blue) and air purification (pink) (Web of science, search keywords: metal organic framework, electromagnetic wave absorption, microwave absorption; gas sensor; water remediation; air purification.). Review Nanoscale Horizons Published on 08 July 2024. Downloaded on 11/14/2025 6:41:18 AM. View Article Online 1434 | Nanoscale Horiz., 2024, 9, 1432–1474 This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2024 and multi-metallic centers, emphasizing their applications in the detection, absorption, and degradation of environmental pollutants. Specifically, the discussion centers on their efficacy in hazardous gases sensing, EMWA, and degradation of pollutants in both aqueous and atmospheric environments, as shown in Scheme 1. Moreover, categories of MOFs are summarized. Finally, this work systematically summarizes the effect of different metal ions centers on the characteristics of MOFbased composites, the relationship between advantages and disadvantages, and the further impact of different applications, current challenges, future opportunities, and directions in the design strategies of MOFs with different metal ions centers in the environmental fields. 2. MOF-based composites for environmental applications In recent years, there has been a surge of interest in surrounding MOFs owing to their remarkable array of properties and versatile functionalities. MOFs are composed of two essential components: metal nodes and organic linkers. A comprehensive examination of MOFs underscores the imperative for enhancing their environmental sustainability, necessitating modifications to both metallic and organic constituents. Such enhancements may entail substitution or hybridization of these components, which means that the emergence of MOF-based composites. MOF-based composites inherit the excellent properties of MOFs, but also exhibit different physicochemical properties and structures. The structural diversity inherent in organic linkers endows MOF-based composites with a high degree of tunability, enabling the manifestation of diverse architectures with enhanced performance characteristics. Concurrently, the metal nodes play a pivotal role in applications such as hazardous gas sensing, EMWA, and photocatalysis, by facilitating customizable porous structures, favorable electrical conductivity, and serving as a source of magnetism to effectively attenuate electromagnetic waves. Furthermore, the integration of catalytically active centers within MOF-based composites serves to augment electron transfer rates and catalytic efficiency, thus bolstering their efficacy in environmental protection applications. Consequently, a thorough Scheme 1 Schematic diagram of the applications of mono-, biand multi-metallic MOF-based materials in Environmental Applications. Parts of them are reproduced with permission from ref. 22, Copyright (2021) Elsevier B.V., 70 Copyright (2021) Elsevier, Copyright (2018) American Chemical Society. 97 Copyright (2023) Wiley-VCH GmbH. Nanoscale Horizons Review Published on 08 July 2024. Downloaded on 11/14/2025 6:41:18 AM. View Article Online This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2024 Nanoscale Horiz., 2024, 9, 1432–1474 | 1435 exploration of strategies for enhancing the environmental compatibility of MOF-based composites, predicated upon varying central metal species, is warranted. Presently, a myriad of environmental pollutants, both of natural origin and anthropogenic, pervade the atmosphere, infiltrate the soil, and permeate water reservoirs, posing significant risks to human health. The primary objective in mitigating these pollutants lies in their detection at ultra-low concentrations, subsequent efficient absorption, and ultimate degradation. Specifically, this following work focuses on three typical applications: the sensing of hazardous gases, the EMWA, and the degradation of pollutants within aqueous and atmospheric domains. 2.1 Sensing of hazardous gases The pervasive presence of polluting and hazardous gases emanating from diverse sources poses a constant threat to the wellbeing of living organisms. These gases include ammonia (NH 3 ), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen sulphide (H 2 S), sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ), carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), carbon monoxide (CO), and others. Beyond specific concentration thresholds in the environment, these gases are deemed lethal. For instance, an excess of 25 parts per million (ppm) of ammonia in the air can jeopardize human skin, respiratory systems, and overall health. 98 In addition, H 2 S up 5 ppm has a harmful impact on the human respiratory system. 97 Concentrations of these gases ranging from 100 to 150 ppm, these gases can lead to a loss of smell. In the range of 200 to 300 ppm, the risk escalates to pulmonary edema. Further, exposure to concentrations between 500 and 700 ppm may result in loss of consciousness, while levels surpassing 700 ppm can swiftly lead to death within minutes. 99 Excess NO in air can lead to asthma and cancer. 100 Therefore, there is a need for monitoring of these gases by designed highly sensitive gas sensors. 2.1.1 Gas sensing mechanisms. Gas sensors refer to a class of devices that are used to detect the concentration of specific gases in the environment. Gas sensors typically consist of two main components: the sensing material and the transducer. The interaction of the sensing material with the target gas results in dielectric fluctuation, magnetic, optical, thermal, acoustic, colourimetric and/or gravitational properties, which can be converted into detectable signals by the transducer. Specifically, the interactions between the sensing materials and the target can be classified into two types. The first is noncovalent interactions, such as van der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding, coordination and p–pinteractions. The second is covalent bonding that arises between the sensing materials and the target. The former tends to be a reversible or partially reversible process, while the latter is an irreversible process of action, but the latter offers high sensitivity and selectivity. 85 Different gas sensors work on different principles. Semiconductor gas sensors operate by leveraging the interaction between sensing materials and target gases, inducing changes in the resistance of the semiconductor material. This alteration in resistance allows for the measurement of gas concentration. 44,48,97,101,102 Electrochemical sensors, on the other hand, utilize gas-induced redox reactions within an electrochemical cell to generate a current signal, facilitating the detection of gas concentration; 103–105 optical sensors represent another category, where gases either absorb or scatter light at specific wavelengths, leading to changes in light intensity. For instance, infrared sensors utilize infrared wavelengths to detect the interaction between light and target gas molecules, providing a means to measure gas concentration. 106–109 Additionally, there are alternative sensor types such as acoustic wave sensors and electromagnetic induction sensors. 110,111 2.1.2 As sensing materials for hazardous gas sensors. MOF-based composites stand out as an innovative class of crystalline nano-porous materials endowed with customized physical and chemical characteristics. These properties include, but are not limited to, porosity, pore size, specific surface area, microstructure, redox properties, and polarity. 49,50,56,59,61,65 MOF-based composites excel in integrating precisely tailored host–guest interactions within their porous scaffolds, making them highly promising candidate materials for gas sensing applications. While MOF materials inherently possess insulating properties owing to the regular arrangement of organic ligands obstructing the conducting path, 53–55 post-processing of MOFs results in the formation of materials with characteristics resembling graphene or metal oxide composites. This alteration significantly modifies their conductive properties, showcasing distinct structural features and surface chemistry. Importantly, this post-processing ensures the preservation of the MOFs’ porous structure or may even create additional porosity. Consequently, it generates a substantial number of active sites for interactions between the target gas and MOF-based composites. Defect-like graphite or other doped variants of composites can be obtained from organic linkers, which can lead to large and electron-rich p surfaces that can interact with the target gas through van der Waals forces, charge transfer and p–pinteractions. Metal oxides can be derived from metal centers featuring chemisorbed oxygen molecules on their surfaces, enabling interactions with target gases through chemical reactions associated with oxygen. Subsequently, researchers have uncovered a novel category of conductive MOF materials. Furthermore, the controllable introduction of defects, doping and functionalization adds active sites with stronger affinity and specificity to the sensing materials, which plays an invaluable role in enhancing gas selectivity and sensitivity of sensors. Metal centers play a crucial role within MOF-based composites, attributed to the following points: (1) varied metals incorporated into MOFs result in distinct pore structures and surface properties, influencing their selectivity towards gases. (2) Parts of MOFs (such as, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Cr-based) exhibit commendable electrical conductivity. The selection of a specific metal profoundly impacts the electronic conductivity of MOFs, consequently influencing the sensitivity and response time of gas sensors. (3) Metals within MOFs can play a role in the adsorption and catalytic reactions of gases, a factor of significance in gas sensor applications. The selection of a specific metal can finely tune the catalytic activity of the MOF, Review Nanoscale Horizons Published on 08 July 2024. Downloaded on 11/14/2025 6:41:18 AM. View Article Online 1436 | Nanoscale Horiz., 2024, 9, 1432–1474 This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2024 rendering it suitable for various gas sensing applications. (4) The stability of MOFs is influenced by the choice of metals. The formation of parts of metals with specific organic ligands enhances the stability of the MOF, enabling its utilization under more severe environmental conditions, such as high temperature or high humidity. This not only expands the range of applications but also prolongs the lifetime of the MOF. 2.1.2.1 Monometallic MOF-based composites. Monometallic MOFs are relatively simple to design and synthesize, involving only one type of metal ion, which also tends to mean that they exhibit higher stability in sensor applications. In the work of Liu et al., 48 they prepared monometallic Co-MOF and monometallic Zn-MOF sensors for the accurate detection of the hazardous gas H 2 S. 500 ppb of H 2 S gas were detected at around 190 1C and 200 1C, respectively, and the results showed that the response was only 1.2%. Similarly another Co-based MOF, CoPBA with a BET of only 4.0 m 2 g 1 , and a Ni-based MOF showed 3.2% and 5.9% response results for 100 ppm H 2 S gas at 200 1C operation temperature. 112 Moreover, Cu-based monometallic MOFs, 64 Fe-based MOFs, 97 Zn-based MOFs 47 and In-based MOFs 57 have been investigated to deal with H 2 S (as shown in Fig. 2a–f). Furthermore, Zn, Cu, Ba and Ni-based monometallic MOFs have been applied to cope with N-containing hazardous gases (NH 3 ,NO 2 and NO), 47,52,58,60,62,63 and it has been investigated that the sensors can be operated at room temperature to show good responsiveness. For example, CuO NPs and CuO TNFs prepared by Liu et al. 60 showed good response to NO 2 , respectively. Especially, CuO TNFs showed a response result of 391.0% in 500 ppb concentration of NO 2 . The limit of detection (LOD) was 50 ppb. attributed to its higher BET of 11.47 m 2 g 1 compared to CuO NPs (3.64 m 2 g 1 ), which is undoubtedly an attractive highlight for a wide range of applications. In contrast, Zn based MOF exhibited 51.41% response exposed to a concentration of 1 ppm at 200 1C operating temperature (Fig. 2g–i). 47 Additionally, Zr and Zn based monometallic MOFs have also been applied to detect CO 2 and SO 2 hazardous gases. 113–115 Although the Fe-based MOF, MIL-88B was tailored to modulate the structure of the MOF by the large pore (lp) phase/narrow pore (np) phase ratio by Gang Xu et al., 97 and the optimized MIL-88B-20% exhibited the best sensing performance among all the reported MOF based H 2 S-sensing materials (Fig. 2j–l), there are still significant limitations to achieve a breakthrough in the field of gas sensing using monometallic MOFs. 2.1.2.2 Bimetallic MOF-based composites. The design and synthesis of bimetallic MOF-based composites clearly demonstrated enhanced sensing performance in terms of improved gas uptake and selectivity as well as more precise modulation of physical properties such as porosity, surface area, etc. This is inextricably linked to the fact that two different metals can act synergistically to enhance the performance of MOFs. In contrast to the results observed with Zn and Co monometallic MOFs, the utilization of ZnO/Co 3 O 4 as sensing materials through Zn/Co bimetallic MOFs, a structure acquired by Zn doping in Co MOF, demonstrated superior sensing performance for H 2 S gas (Fig. 3a and b). Notably, it exhibited exceptional sensitivity, detecting 10 ppb H 2 S gas at 120 1C. This heightened performance extended to outstanding selectivity and long-term stability, with a remarkable 95% response retention even after 45 days. The remarkable sensing capabilities of this bimetallic MOF structure are primarily ascribed to regular morphology, abundant oxygen vacancies (52.8%) and high specific surface area (96.5 m 2 g 1 ). 48 The introduction of additional metal centers appears to play a crucial role in modifying the microstructure of the MOF, leading to an increase in defects and specific surface area. This, in turn, effectively enhances the efficiency of electrical signal transmission. In a parallel fashion, the strategic design of the Cu/Ni bimetallic MOF has propelled the detection of H 2 S gas to new heights, notably achieving operability at room temperature. The sensor exhibits a substantial advancement, boasting a response range of 64–98% at a gas concentration of 80 ppm. Furthermore, it demonstrates an impressive sensitivity with a LOD ranging from 19–32 ppb, signifying its potential for highly sensitive gas detection applications. 64 Tan et al. 117 synthesized a CoNi bimetallic MOF, from which they derived distinctive double-shelled Co 3 O 4 /NiCo 2 O 4 nanocages designed for H 2 S gas detection. The engineered nanocages exhibited a notable surface-to-volume ratio and a high surface area of 103 m 2 g 1 . The results demonstrated both high selectivity and a robust gas response, particularly evident in the detection of 100 ppm H 2 S at the optimal temperature of 250 1C. This underscores the promising potential of the CoNi bimetallic MOF-derived nanocages for effective and sensitive H 2 S gas sensing applications. Although Hussain et al. 118 obtained Cu/ Zn bimetallic MOF sensors operating at 250 1C instead of room temperature, the response at lower gas concentrations is very high compared to the corresponding monometallic MOFs sensors 64,119 with 425%, while having a ppb level of sensitivity with LOD of 500 ppb. A parallel enhancement in performance is evident in NO 2 gas sensing, as demonstrated by Li et al., 120 who employed In/Zn bimetallic MOF sensors. These sensors exhibited remarkably low LOD with results as impressive as 0.2 ppb, coupled with a substantial 185.8% response when exposed to a 1 ppm concentration of NO 2 gas. In comparison to the performance of Zn monometallic MOFs, 47 this significant improvement can be attributed to the unique molecular characteristics of In, with a diameter of 9.9 Å. Remarkably, this diameter aligns with the cavity size (11.6 Å) and pore size (3.4 Å) of ZIF-8. Consequently, the In atoms can be in situ trapped within the cavities of Zn MOF. The intrinsic gas permeability of the resulting hollow structure, coupled with the electronic sensitization of In metals, collectively contribute to the observed enhancement in gas sensing performance. Furthermore, bimetallic MOF sensors have found application in detecting various hazardous gases, including H 2 . 65 2.1.2.3 Multi-metallic MOF-based composites. Multi-metallic MOFs have higher structural tunability and can be powerful in gas sensing applications by selecting multiple metal ions to achieve more complex properties and enhanced metal Nanoscale Horizons Review Published on 08 July 2024. Downloaded on 11/14/2025 6:41:18 AM. View Article Online This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2024 Nanoscale Horiz., 2024, 9, 1432–1474 | 1437 Fig. 2 (a)–(c) SEM image, selectivity and illustration of the suggested H 2 S gas sensing mechanism of Cu MOF sensor. Reproduced with permission from ref. 64, Copyright (2022) the authors. (d)–(f) The schematic formation procedure of In MOF and Co/In MOF (e), transient resistance and gas responses to 2 ppm H 2 S at different temperatures for In MOF (e) and Co/In MOF (f). Reproduced with permission from ref. 57, Copyright (2023) Elsevier B.V. (g)–(i) Schematic representation (g) and stability performance (h)–(i) of the as-prepared sensors. Reproduced with permission from ref. 47, Copyright (2022) Elsevier B.V. (j)–(l) SEM image (j), selectivity (k) and response (l) of as-prepared Fe-MOF. Reproduced with permission from ref. 97, Copyright (2023) WileyVCH GmbH. Review Nanoscale Horizons Published on 08 July 2024. Downloaded on 11/14/2025 6:41:18 AM. View Article Online 1438 | Nanoscale Horiz., 2024, 9, 1432–1474 This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2024 Fig. 3 (a) SEM images of the prepared all samples; (b) responses of the sensors to 500 ppb H 2 S at different working temperatures. Reproduced with permission from ref. 48, Copyright (2023) Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). (c) The concentration-dependent response curves of the sensors based on Co 3 O 4 @[email protected] microcubes towards H 2 S at 200 1C; SEM images of pure Co-PBA (d), Co 3 O 4 @NiO-2.0 microcubes (e), elemental mapping images (f) of Co 3 O 4 @[email protected] microcubes. Reproduced with permission from ref. 112, Copyright (2021) Elsevier B.V. SEM images of W MOF (g), W/Zn MOF (h), and W/Zn/Au MOF samples (i). And the elemental mapping images of W/Zn/Au MOF sample (j). The relationship of the operating temperature and response to 10 ppm H 2 S (k), the long-term stability (l) of samples. The responses to simulated H 2 S abnormal breath samples and healthy breath samples of W/Zn/Au MOF sample (m). Reproduced with permission from ref. 116, Copyright (2020) Elsevier B.V. Nanoscale Horizons Review Published on 08 July 2024. Downloaded on 11/14/2025 6:41:18 AM. View Article Online This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2024 Nanoscale Horiz., 2024, 9, 1432–1474 | 1439 synergies. Wang et al. improved the H 2 S sensing performance of monometallic Co-PBA by introducing Ni metal based on their previous work, 112 but the effect is undeniably limited. Further additional introduction of Pt metal improved the response to H 2 S gas by several tens of times (Fig. 3c–f). Yang et al. 116 synthesized Zn based MOF derived WO 3 /ZnO@Au composites and employed them for H 2 S gas sensing (Fig. 3g–m). The results showed that Zn/Au/W multi-metallic MOFs composites perform an outstanding gas sensing with 175% response to 10 ppm H 2 S. The LOD of the sensor is 50 ppb level, and it still exhibits 8.5% response to such a low concentration of H 2 S. Furthermore, the selectivity and long-term stability of Zn MOFs were validated through experimental confirmation. Notably, the incorporation of multi-heterojunctions and small-sized gold nanoparticles (NPs) efficiently encapsulated within the channels of Zn MOFs plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall sensing performance. The presence of Au or Zn atoms induces electron localization, bringing s-orbital electrons closer to O atoms. This process facilitates their combination into p-orbitals, leading to an increased negative charge on the O atoms and, consequently, enhanced absorption of H 2 S gas. The introduction of small-sized Au nanoparticles serves a dual purpose: firstly, it augments surface oxygen deficiency through the ‘‘spillover effect,’’ and secondly, it effectively enhances the electrical conductivity of the MOF-derived 3DIO WO 3 /ZnO@Au sensor. This dual mechanism not only improves gas absorption but also ensures superior electrical properties, collectively contributing to the heightened sensitivity and overall performance of the sensor. A brief overview of sensing performance of monometallic, bi-metallic, and multi-metallic MOFs and its derivatives is reported in Table 1. It includes sensing materials, target gas, sensor condition, LOD, and response. The research work on the use of mono-metallic MOFs for the sensing of hazardous gases is widespread and promising. However, employing only one type of metal may result in relatively low selectivity, limiting the material’s capability to discern and detect specific gases. The metal ions within monometallic MOFs establish robust interactions with specific gas molecules, enhancing selectivity towards target gases. For instance, Cu-based MOFs demonstrate high sensitivity to NH 3 , while Zn-based MOFs exhibit strong adsorption capacities for CO 2 . The homogeneous distribution of monometallic centers within MOFs ensures consistent active sites, thereby promoting sensor repeatability and reliability. Tailoring MOFs with different monometallic ions allow for flexible adjustment of their physical and chemical properties to meet diverse gas sensing requirements. For example, Feand Ni-based MOFs are utilized for detecting oxygen and hydrogen, respectively. Table 1 MOF-based composites with mono-, biand multi-metallic centers for hazardous gases sensing Categories Center metals Sensing materials Target gas Sensor condition (1C) LOD (ppm) Response (%/ppm) Ref. MonoZn ZIF-8 CO 2 RT 3130 0.7 mLn min 1 115 4.85 774 MOF-5-NH 2 SO 2 RT 0.05 — 114 ZIF-8/ZnO nanorod H 2 S RT 0.05 52/10 119 ZIF-8–500 NO 2 200 0.1 51.41/1 47 Cu Cu 3 (HHTP)(THQ) NH 3 RT 0.2 B15/100 52 Cu-MOF/PVA/IL H 2 S RT 1 99/100 64 CuO tube-like nanofibers NO 2 RT 0.05 391/0.5 60 CuO NPs 12.5/0.5 SiO 2 CuOF-graphene-PAni NH 3 RT 0.6 — 63 Ni NiPc-MOF NiNPc-MOF NH 3 RT 0.31 B50/40 58 H 2 S 0.02 100/40 NO 0.001 700/40 Y Fum-fcu-MOF H 2 S RT 0.1 13/10 51 Fe MIL-88B-20% H 2 S RT 0.17 1061/100 97 In In 2 O 3 H 2 S 225 2 2.04 57 Ba Ba-MOF NH 3 30 1 243/25 62 Zr UiO-66-NH 2 SO 2 RT 0.005 88.73/50 113 BiZn/Pd ZnO/Pd H 2 200 — 8.5/50 65 Zn/In In/ZnO-10 NO 2 300 0.0002 24.6/0.1 120 185.8/1 Cu/Zn CuO/ZnO H 2 S 250 0.5 425/50 118 Cu/In CuO/In 2 O 3 H 2 S 70 0.2 229.3/5 121 Cu/Ni NiPc-Cu H 2 S RT 0.019–0.032 64–98/80 58 Co/Ni Co 3 O 4 /NiCo 2 O 4 H 2 S 250 30 B8/100 Co/In In 2 O 3 :Co–M H 2 S 225 0.1 175.5/50 57 Co/Pd SWCNT/PdO-Co 3 O 4 HNCs NO 2 100 1 44.11/20 122 Pt/Zn Pt/ZnO-1 wt% 3DIO NPs H 2 S 320 0.025 11.2/1 123 In/Mo In 2 O 3 /MoS 2 NO 2 RT 0.0088 209/50 124 Ag/Zr (Ag 2 O@UiO-66IJZr)-NO 2 H 2 S RT 1 90/100 125 MultiCo/Ni/Pt Co 3 O 4 @[email protected] H 2 S 200 — 250/100 112 Zn/Au/W WO 3 /ZnO@Au H 2 S 170 0.05 175/10 116 Review Nanoscale Horizons Published on 08 July 2024. Downloaded on 11/14/2025 6:41:18 AM. View Article Online 1440 | Nanoscale Horiz., 2024, 9, 1432–1474 This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2024 Many monometallic MOFs possess excellent structural stability and maintain consistent sensing performance across a broad range of temperature and humidity conditions. However, their high selectivity can sometimes pose limitations by exhibiting strong responsiveness to specific gases while showing weaker responses to others, which restricts their applicability in complex gas environments. The incorporation of additional metal ions into MOFs evidently enhances their performance in sensing hazardous gases. Bimetallic MOFs harness the synergistic benefits of two distinct metal ions, enabling enhanced interactions with a diverse array of gas molecules. This synergy significantly boosts both selectivity and sensitivity towards specific gases. For instance, a combination such as Pt and Cu can offer high selectivity for gases, like CO and NH 3 . The incorporation of bimetallic centers within MOFs provides multiple active sites, thereby broadening their applicability across a wide spectrum of gas detection needs. This versatility makes bimetallic MOFs particularly advantageous for use in complex gas environments. However, it is essential to acknowledge that certain bimetallic MOFs may face challenges related to structural instability arising from mismatches between the incorporated metals. This instability can impact the longterm stability of the materials, influencing their practical applications. The synthesis of bi-metallic MOFs can be relatively intricate, demanding precise control over synthesis conditions. This complexity may, in turn, result in higher production costs. While bi-metallic MOFs offer enhanced performance through synergistic interactions between two metal ions, there are instances where these interactions may lead to interference, affecting overall MOF performance. For example, specific gas molecules may preferentially bind to one metal ion, potentially diminishing the activity of the other metal ion within the MOF structure. Although bimetallic centers generally improve structural stability, certain combinations may still encounter stability challenges under extreme conditions, impacting the longterm durability and reliability of the sensor. Therefore, careful consideration and optimization of bimetallic combinations are crucial to mitigate these potential issues and ensure consistent sensor performance over extended periods. While we found out that there are many studies on the design and synthesis of multi-metallic MOFs, 126–139 they are very limited in hazardous gases sensing applications, which may be due to several reasons as the following: the synthesis of multi-metallic MOFs is usually more difficult than that of monometallic and bimetallic MOFs, which is mainly considered for the stability of multi-metallic MOFs, especially in high temperature or high humidity environments for gas sensing, the structural damage or inactivation of the active sites of multi-metallic MOFs will limit their sensor applications; more importantly, no study has yet been able to demonstrate that the polymetallic MOFs exhibit obvious advantages in terms of hazardous gas sensing compared to monoand bimetallic MOFs. In consequence, easier to synthesize and structurally stable monoand bimetallic MOFs are highly favored in the field of hazardous gas sensors. In the context of hazardous gas sensing applications, the composition of metal ions within MOFs plays a pivotal role. The nature and quantity of these metal ions significantly influence the sensor’s efficacy in detecting various hazardous gas molecules, each characterized by distinct structural and chemical properties. Consequently, it becomes imperative to carefully choose metal centers that are amenable to modification by additional metals, fostering synergistic effects. It is crucial to note that the selection of metal centers directly impacts the sensing performance of the MOF. Therefore, a judicious approach should be taken when introducing additional metal centers, aiming to achieve optimal synergies without compromising the sensor’s effectiveness. In practice, efforts should be directed towards avoiding excessive introduction of extra metal centers, focusing instead on precision to ensure a substantial enhancement in sensing capabilities. 2.2 Electromagnetic wave absorbing 2.2.1 Electromagnetic pollution. Electromagnetic pollution arises from both natural and man-made sources. Natural electromagnetic pollution is typically caused by natural phenomena, such as lightning, which can result in direct damage to equipment and objects. In severe cases, lighting can generate electromagnetic interference over a broad area in the frequency range of several thousand Hz to several hundred MHz. Natural electromagnetic pollution poses a significant challenge to shortwave communications, as it can cause severe interference. While natural electromagnetic pollution is limited in its occurrence and scope, the rapid advancements in technology have led to widespread and continuous exposure to anthropogenic electromagnetic pollution. Modern technologies such as smartphones, tablets, electric cars, power converters, and navigation systems, communication networks, and electricity transmission systems emit electromagnetic radiation that exposes people to various frequencies of electromagnetic interference on a daily basis. 140–143 Anthropogenic sources of electromagnetic pollution are more extensive, stronger, more harmful, and longer-lasting than natural sources. 2.2.2 Electromagnetic waves absorption 2.2.2.1 Monometallic MOF-based composites. Metals such as Fe, Co and Ni are commonly used as metal centers for MOF materials due to their excellent magnetic and electronic properties. A classical Co-based MOF material (ZIF-67) was successfully prepared by Qin Kuang’s group using 2-methylimidazole as organic linkers. The morphological structure obtained (shown in Fig. 4a and b) exhibited a wrinkled surface after annealing treatment, but the dodecahedral structure remained almost unchanged. The material showed excellent EMWA performance with a reflection loss (RL) of 35.3 dB and a thickness of 2.5 mm. The effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) (RL r10 dB) was 5.80 GHz (8.40–14.20 GHz). 78 The excellent EMWA performance is attributed to the synergetic effects among magnetic Co metals, the highly porous structure, and the electrical conductivity of carbon materials. However, the magnetic loss was limited due to the conversion of the surface of the strongly magnetic Co particles to CoO during exposed to Nanoscale Horizons Review Published on 08 July 2024. Downloaded on 11/14/2025 6:41:18 AM. View Article Online This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2024 Nanoscale Horiz., 2024, 9, 1432–1474 | 1447 interface polarization and the synergistic effect between the multiple components together also contributed to the excellent EMWA performance. Moreover, the Ni/NiO/Cu@C composites derived from Ni–Cu-MOF 180 was synthesized, exhibiting a RL of 38.1 dB with only 10 wt% filler loading. The low density of the filler loading can guarantee enhanced conduction loss and impedance matching. Similarly, the introduction of the magnetic dielectric Ni into the monometallic Cu MOF contributes to magnetic loss, while the improved impedance matching, strong interface polarization and the synergistic effect between the multiple components lead to improved EMWA performance. Furthermore, TiO 2 /ZrTiO 4 /C composites derived from PCN-415 (TiZr-MOFs) 181 has been designed and synthesized, qualified with a RL of 67.8 dB (2.16 mm, 13.0 GHz), and an EAB of 5.9 GHz (2.70 mm). The synergy of enhanced interfacial polarization and other attenuation mechanisms in the composites is revealed. Dual magnetic metal MOFs, such as CoNi-MOF, CoFe-MOF and NiFe-MOF, have been found to exhibit high impedance matching and excellent EMWA performance. In our previous research, a monometallic Co-MOF was found to have limited EMWA performance. However, by introducing Ni metal to form CoNi alloys, strong magnetic properties were obtained, resulting in enhanced wave absorption performance with an RL of 58.2 dB at 10.62 GHz, and EAB of up to 4.03 GHz (8.80–12.83 GHz). 18 In a recent study conducted by Zhai et al., a similar strategy was employed for the synthesis of the Co@NC/Ni nanocomposite. The researchers utilized ZIF67 and Ni(OH) 2 precursors, which were subsequently subjected to carbonization at 600 1C (as illustrated in Fig. 9a–g). Notably, the Ni component was sourced from Ni(OH) 2 , while ZIF67 played a dual role in preventing Ni agglomeration and undergoing natural pyrolysis to yield Ni nanoparticles protected by graphitized carbon. Furthermore, the interface between ZIF67 and Ni(OH) 2 imposed constraints on the formation of Co@NC postZIF67 pyrolysis. This limitation was attributed to the magnetic nanoparticles’ propensity to contribute significantly to the attenuation of the magnetic component in electromagnetic waves. 19 Jinxiao Wang’s group synthesized a CNT/CoO/Ni 2 O 3 composite derived from a Ni–Co bimetallic MOF, as shown in Fig. 9h–j. The composites exhibited an RL of 49.6 dB and an EAB of 3.87 GHz, which was attributed to the dual electric network formed by Ni 3+ and Co 2+ energy splitting, and d–d orbital electron transfer. 182 Additionally, Zirui Jia’s group also obtained a Ni–Co/PC composite derived from a Ni–Co bimetal MOF. The composites exhibited significantly improved EMWA performance with an RL of 67.81 dB and an EAB of 6.16 GHz. This enhancement was attributed to the excellent electrical conductivity, rich surface, high attenuation capability, and the eddy current loss-dominated magnetic loss, all of which contributed to its EMWA performance. 183 Hollow CoFe 2 O 4 /CoFe@C microspheres were synthesized from Co–Fe MOF, with a focus on crystal transformation, heterogeneous structures, and magnetic exchange coupling, as shown in Fig. 10a–e. The microspheres exhibited strong magnetic saturation (Ms) of 152.4 emu g 1 and optimized RL of 51 dB, with an EAB of 6.0 GHz. These properties were attributed to the synergistic effects of enhancing impedance matching, polarization relaxation, and multi-interfaces. 184 Recently, the NiFe@N–C/rGO was synthesized from NiFeMOF, as shown in Fig. 10f–i. This novel material presents tunable wideband properties and an RL of 72.28 dB, with an EAB of 7.14 GHz, almost covering the whole X and Ku bands. The EWM absorption mechanism was revealed theoretically based on formation energy and dipole moment. 185 2.2.2.3 Multi-metallic MOF-based composites. Multi-metallic MOFs offer several advantages over monometallic and bimetallic MOFs by combining the benefits of more than two materials, which enable the construction of multiple topologies that can benefit the EMWA mechanism. In particular, these materials can enhance impedance matching, multiple reflections and scattering, and the presence of interfaces and defect sites that provide polarization losses. The caterpillar-like Co/ MnO/CNTs composites derived from Co–Mn–Zn multi-metallic MOF was synthesized by Junying Zhang group, as shown in Fig. 11a–e, which showed strong RL of 58.0 dB and an EAB from 13.52 GHz to 18 GHz, with a thickness of only 1.32 mm, exceeding that of monometallic Co-based MOF materials. 186 This improvement was attributed to the integration of electromagnetic dielectric materials to improve permeability, as well as the multi-scale response ability with caterpillar-like structure, and well impedance matching. 187 The Lei Wang group has synthesized a novel double-shell-structured MnFe 2 O 4 @FeO/C derived from Mn–Fe–Zn multi-metallic MOFs (as shown in Fig. 11f–j). The resulting material exhibits an RL of 53.75 dB with a thickness of 1.8 mm, and the corresponding EAB is 4.74 GHz ranging from 10.27 to 13.90 GHz and 16.89 to 18.0 GHz. By adjusting the Zn-MOF content, the thickness of the carbon layer can be controlled to obtain desirable electromagnetic parameters. The unique construction, expected impedance matching, polarization loss, and strong magnetic loss all contribute to the excellent EMWA performance. 188 Furthermore, the Zirui Jia group has synthesized NiCo 20.5x Cr 2 O 3 @C nanoparticles based on Ni–Co–Cr multi-metallic MOFs (as shown in Fig. 11k–s). The introduction of additional NiCo 2 – Cr 2 O 3 has resulted in excellent EMWA performance with an RL of 52.71 dB at 1.6 mm and an EAB of 5.28 GHz at 1.89 mm. The synergistic effect between the appropriate ratio of Cr 2 O 3 , NiCo alloy, and good impedance matching optimized by carbon materials contributes to the improved performance. 189 More research works are being conducted on multifunctional MOFs that combine the properties of multiple structures and metals. 190–193 The metallic component within MOF-based composites plays a pivotal role in the realm of EMWA. Researchers have been actively exploring the use of MOF-based composites to create novel heterogeneous interfaces and augment electrical conductivity. The aim is to achieve optimal alignment between the conductive and magnetic properties of the materials and the energy of electromagnetic waves. However, upon a thorough examination of related studies, it becomes evident that Review Nanoscale Horizons Published on 08 July 2024. Downloaded on 11/14/2025 6:41:18 AM. View Article Online 1448 | Nanoscale Horiz., 2024, 9, 1432–1474 This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2024 MOF-based composites exhibit varying types and quantities of metal centers, resulting in distinctive EMWA performance. A brief overview of EMWA performance of mono-, bi-, and multimetallic MOF-based composites is reported in Table 2, which includes details such as varying loading amounts, minimum reflection loss, effective absorption bandwidth, and matching thickness. An EMWs is characterized by the simultaneous propagation of electric and magnetic fields. In the context of MOFs, various metals exhibit distinct electronegativity and electronic structures, giving rise to diverse energy band Fig. 9 (a)–(g) SEM images of (a) Ni(OH) 2 , and (b) S-2, (c) TEM-EDS mapping images of S-2, (d) and (e) 2D and 3D RL plots of S-2, (f) calculated delta value maps of S-2, (g) schematic illustration of the EMWA mechanism for Co@NC/Ni composite. Reproduced with permission from ref. 19, Copyright (2023) Elsevier. (h)–(j) SEM images of CNT/NiCo-600 and CNT/NiCo-MOF-74, EDS results of CNT/NiCo-MOF-74, RL values of CNT/NiCo-600. Reproduced with permission from ref. 182, Copyright (2021) Elsevier B.V. Nanoscale Horizons Review Published on 08 July 2024. Downloaded on 11/14/2025 6:41:18 AM. View Article Online This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2024 Nanoscale Horiz., 2024, 9, 1432–1474 | 1449 Fig. 10 (a)–(e) Schematic diagrams of the fabrication processes of CoFe 2 O 4 /CoFe@C composites, SEM and elemental mapping images of hollow CoFe 2 O 4 composites, hysteresis loops and 2D RL of as-prepared samples, the EMW absorption mechanisms of the CoFe 2 O 4 /CoFe@C composites. Reproduced with permission from ref. 184, Copyright (2021) Elsevier. (f)–(i) The schematic diagram of fabricating NiFe@N–C and NiFe@N–C/rGO, SEM images of NiFe-MOF and NiFe@N–C, RL values of NiFe@N–C/rGO-30, magnetic hysteresis loops of as-prepared samples, electron density difference of pyridinic N-rGO structure, rGO functional group EDD details: (1) hydroxyl group; (2) carboxyl group; (3) planar oxygen doping. Electronic localization function of pyridinic N-rGO structure: (4) planar oxygen doping; (5) carboxyl group; (6) hydroxyl group. Reproduced with permission from ref. 185, Copyright (2022) Elsevier. Review Nanoscale Horizons Published on 08 July 2024. Downloaded on 11/14/2025 6:41:18 AM. View Article Online 1450 | Nanoscale Horiz., 2024, 9, 1432–1474 This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2024 structures and energy level distributions. This variability influences the consumption of electric field energy in EMWs. Lower electronegativity corresponds to improved characteristics in the motion of free electrons. These free electrons can effectively interact with incident EMWs, causing their excitation and the generation of EMWs in the opposite direction. Consequently, this phenomenon reduces the penetration and propagation of the EMWs. Furthermore, the distinct size and arrangement of various metals within MOFs result in diverse pore structures, specific surface areas, and crystalline arrangements. This diversity increases the propagation paths of EMWs within MOFs, creating more interfaces for interaction between EMWs and MOFbased composites. Consequently, this facilitates the absorption or scattering of electromagnetic waves at specific frequencies. Monometallic MOFs generally exhibit highly ordered and regular pore structures that contribute to their high specific surface area, enhancing their ability to absorb electromagnetic waves. The increased surface area allows for effective interaction with EMWs, thereby improving shielding efficiency. Additionally, metal ions present in monometallic MOFs, such as those found in Cu-based or Co-based MOFs, can provide conductive pathways, exhibiting good electrical conductivity. However, monometallic MOFs often have lower mechanical strength and are susceptible to physical damage, which limits their application in EMWA scenarios requiring high mechanical resilience. Furthermore, certain monometallic MOFs may lack stability in humid or corrosive environments, potentially leading to decomposition or loss of functionality over time, thereby restricting their long-term utility in harsh environmental conditions. Additionally, some monometallic MOFs may excel in EMWA within specific frequency bands but exhibit reduced effectiveness in other frequency ranges. Bimetallic MOFs leverage the synergistic interaction between two different metal ions to establish enhanced conductive pathways, thereby improving overall conductivity and EMWA properties. For instance, the inclusion of copper and nickel as heterogeneous metals in monometallic MOFs enhances both conductivity and EMWA capabilities. The introduction of bimetallic centers also enhances mechanical strength and stability, increasing durability in practical applications. Some bimetallic MOFs exhibit exceptional thermal stability, maintaining structural integrity and performance in high-temperature environments. For example, combinations like Co and Ni maintain robust electrical conductivity and EMWA performance at elevated temperatures. However, interactions between different metal ions can sometimes impact material performance. Certain metals may preferentially form coordination structures, potentially weakening the properties of the other metal within the MOF. To Fig. 11 (a)–(e) Schematic diagram of the growth process of Co/MnO/CNTs, SEM images of Co/MnO/CNTs, EDS mapping images and frequencydependent RL of the as-obtained Co/MnO/CNTs. Reproduced with permission from ref. 187, Copyright (2020) Elsevier. (f)–(j) TEM and HRTEM of S3 sample, reflection loss of all samples at d= 1.8 mm; the schematic diagram of the microwave absorption mechanism of sample S3. Reproduced with permission from ref. 188, Copyright (2022) Elsevier. (k)–(s) The schematic synthesis process of NiCo 20.5x Cr 2 O 3 @C, SEM images of NiCO 20.5x Cr 2 O 3 @C Cr 0 and Cr 0.5 , the EDS mapping of Cr 0.5 . Reproduced with permission from ref. 189, Copyright (2021) Elsevier. Nanoscale Horizons Review Published on 08 July 2024. Downloaded on 11/14/2025 6:41:18 AM. View Article Online This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2024 Nanoscale Horiz., 2024, 9, 1432–1474 | 1451 optimize electromagnetic properties, multiple metal centers can be strategically introduced, enabling precise tuning of electrical conductivity, magnetism, and dielectric constants for efficient EMWA. Multi-metal centers provide diverse active sites that enhance a material’s capacity to absorb, reflect, and scatter EMWs across various frequency bands. Popular combinations such as Fe, Ni, and Co exemplify this approach, offering both high electrical conductivity and magnetic properties. It is noteworthy that MOF-based composites utilized in EMWA applications often feature predominantly magnetic metals, contributing to superior EMWA properties. When the central metal of MOFs is magnetic, as seen with metals such as Co, Ni, and Fe, it typically contains metal ions with unpaired electrons. This characteristic leads to the manifestation of spin magnetic moments in the metal ions, and these moments interact with incident EMWs, influencing their propagation and absorption. Therefore, the deliberate modulation of magnetic metal species in MOF-based composites holds the potential for achieving selective shielding of EMWs. 2.3 Water remediation and air treatment 2.3.1 Water and air pollution. Water is a vital component for all forms of life, and its significance cannot be overstated. However, as the global population increases and industrialization continues to advance, the environment is being subjected to unprecedented levels of pollution. 198–202 Despite the importance of economic and social progress, negative consequences have emerged, and the contamination of water has become one of the most complex and critical challenges facing humanity. Various contaminants such as chemical dyes, biopharmaceuticals, personal care products, heavy metal ions, and fluoride are regularly detected in water sources. The effects of light pollutants are manageable and can be addressed. However, heavy pollutants, including toxic and carcinogenic substances, Table 2 MOF-based composites with mono-, biand multi-metallic centers for EMWA Categories Center metal Filler Loading (wt%) RL min (dB) EAB (GHz) Thickness (mm) Ref. MonoCo Co/C-500 40 35.3 5.8 2.5 78 Co–C-800 30 62.12 4.6 2.4 77 Co@NCPs 30 49.8 4.8 2.98 18 Co@CNTs 20 11.8 1.96 3.3 144 Co/C-650 33 47.6 5.11 2.0 79 Ni Ni/C 40 23.4 4.68 1.9 150 Ni@C 30 55.7 6.0 1.85 152 Ni/C 30 57.25 5.1 1.8 151 Ni/C@graphene foam 15 63 5.4 2.1 22 Ni@C-ZIF 40 86.8 7.4 2.7 156 Fe Fe/C 25 56.94 6.73 3.1 194 Fe/C-600 40 22.6 5.3 2.0 159 Fe/C-650 30 39.43 5.36 2.0 195 Fe/Fe 3 C@NC 30 70.8 5.15 2.5 196 Fe/Fe 3 O 4 /FeN/NC 30 60.08 5.06 1.64 162 Mn MnO 2 @NPC-800 50 63.21 4.04 2.05 169 Zr ZrO 2 /C 50 58.7 5.5 1.7 170 Zn ZnO/NC-700 15 51.2 4 3.1 171 ZnO/C@PPy 15 76.31 6.38 2.17 172 Cu CuO/C 50 57.5 4.7 1.55 173 Cu 2 S/Cu 31 S 16 20 15.1 6.2 2.3 174 Ti TiO 2 /C 40 49.6 4.6 1.6 175 BiCoCd CoCd@CNTs 20 76.6 6.2 2.0 144 CoZn CoZn@CNTs 20 28.3 3.0 1.8 144 CoZn Co@NC-ZnO 25 69.6 6.8 2.4 176 CoAl CoAl-LDO@Co-C 30 38.18 8.48 2.6 177 MnCo MnO/Co/C 50 68.89 5.3 2.64 178 CoZr Co/ZrO 2 /C 50 57.2 6.9 3.3 179 NiCu Ni/NiO/Cu@C 10 38.1 NA 3.2 180 ZrTi TiO 2 /ZrTiO 4 @C 35 67.8 5.9 2.7 181 CoNi CoNi@NCPs 30 55.4 4.92 1.74 18 CoNi CNT/CoO/Ni 2 O 3 —49.6 3.87 2.0 182 CoNi NiCo 2 S 4 /PC — 67.81 6.16 2.1 183 CoFe CoFe 2 O 4 /CoFe@C 30 51 5.9 2.17 184 NiFe NiFe@N–C/rGO-90 20 55.34 7.14 2.04 185 CoTi CoO/Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene-15 5 52.23 4.88 1.9 191 MultiCoNiMn CoNi/MnO@C — 55.2 8.0 2.1 197 CoMnZn MnO 2 /ZIF-8@ZIF-67 35 58.0 5.36 1.97 187 NiCoCr NiCo 20.5x Cr 2 O 3 @C — 52.71 5.28 1.89 189 CoNiMo H-CoNi@MoC/NC 15 –60.05 3.52 2.5 190 FeCoNi FeCo/FeCoNi@NPC 30 67 6.24 1.91 192 CoZnMo CoZn/C@MoS 2 @PPy 30 49.18 4.56 1.5 193 CoNiTi CoO/NiCo 2 O 4 /Ti 3 C 2 T x 10 58.37 4.24 1.5 191 Review Nanoscale Horizons Published on 08 July 2024. Downloaded on 11/14/2025 6:41:18 AM. View Article Online 1452 | Nanoscale Horiz., 2024, 9, 1432–1474 This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2024 have a devastating and uncontrollable impact on the environment and human health. 203–205 Among the organic pollutants, causing water pollution are methylene blue (MB), methyl orange (MO), congo red (CR), rhodamine B (RhB), sulfamethoxazole (SMZ), rose red (RR), and the heavy metal ion Cr(VI). 206 Air pollution is a pressing issue that affects the health of living organisms, including humans. The rise of industrialization has resulted in a decline in air quality globally. Industrial emissions that are not effectively treated, as well as pollutants emitted from vehicles, trains, planes and ships, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and lead, contribute significantly to air pollution. Additionally, secondhand smoke, oil smoke, refrigerators, and air conditioners also contribute this issue. Currently, the main source of air pollution is highly toxic gases and particulate matter (PM), among all air pollutants, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are the most significant indoor and outdoor pollutants, accounting for 68% of the research conducted on photocatalytic air pollutant treatment. Other hazardous gases, such as H 2 S, SO x ,NH 3 ,NO x , CO, comprise 10% of the research, while particulate matter (PM) accounts for 22%. The air we breathe is vital for our survival, and it is crucial to address the issue of air pollution by mitigating emissions and developing effective treatment methods. 206,207 The challenges posed by water and air pollution require a comprehensive and effective approach. Despite numerous methods and techniques having been developed, their success has been limited, and new problems continue to arise. To tackle these complex and evolving issues, it is crucial prioritize methods that are efficient, environmentally friendly, simple and cost-effective. Among these, photocatalytic degradation or reduction of pollutants has gained widespread acceptance due to its reliance on sunlight, a free and abundant energy source. 2.3.2 Introduction of MOF-based photocatalysis. The use of TiO 2 as the first catalysts in photocatalysis was a significant breakthrough in the field, which produced electron–hole pairs under UV light, prompting oxidation and reduction reactions. 208 Thus, the discovery gives a strategic orientation: the problem of pollutants can be solved as soon as a material, like TiO 2 is irradiated by UV light, then a large number of electron–hole pairs are produced to induce rapid oxidation and reduction reactions. However, TiO 2 is only sensitive to UV light, which accounts for less than 5% of sunlight, limiting its utilization for sunlight, in which the visible light accounts for nearly 45%. Thus, alternative photocatalysts are explored. 209–214 Among them, MOF materials have gained popularity due to the following properties: high specific surface area (over 6000 m 2 g 1 ) providing abundant reaction sites; 215 rich topology and tunable porous structure; electron leap platform provided by the metal centers facilitating the separation of electrons and holes in the reaction and thus accelerating the reaction; large-scale expansion and application in industry due to customizable structures. Moreover, MOF-based composites offer a broad range of central metals units and organic linkers that make them a promising option for various photocatalysis production conditions. MOFs act both as solar energy harvesting centers and as organic linkers are irradiated by sunlight, electrons are transferred to the metal centers, which makes MOFs typical semiconductor photocatalyst materials, 216,217 making full use of the sunlight in all wavelengths. MOF-based composites have dispersed conduction and valence bands, and can be identified as molecules in a crystalline lattice, which facilitates the leap of electrons from the top of the valence band to the bottom of the conduction band, thus generating holes, and these active species are involved in oxidation and reduction reactions. Zn-, Zrand TiMOF-based composites exhibit semiconductor-like behavior and are particularly useful for photocatalytic performance. In particular, the Zr-MOF-based composites, such as UiO-66 family, are considered attractive for wastewater treatment applications. 75 Despite their various advantages presented in the field of photocatalysis, MOFs face challenges in maintaining long-term chemical stability in water, except in acidic or alkaline environments. A review of the performance of monometallic, bimetallic, and multi-metallic MOF-based photocatalysts in the field of photocatalysis is provided. 2.3.3 Water remediation 2.3.3.1 Monometallic MOF-based composites. Since the first application of Zn-MOF (MOF-5) to treat phenol in water in 2007, 74 there has been increasing interest in the use of monometallic MOFs for catalytic degradation of contaminants in water. Monometallic MOF-based composites such as those based on Zn, Fe, Co, Ni, Bi, Cu and Zr have all been employed for this purpose. 71–73,218–227 One such example is the Zn-based pillared-layer MOF, NNU-36, which was designed (as shown in Fig. 12a–c) for photocatalytic remediation of water for Cr(VI) reduction and dye degradation under visible light irradiation. 71 This unique MOF structure is constructed using Zn–N bonds, with organic linkers playing the main role in absorbing sunlight. Upon absorption of light energy, the catalyst generates a large number of photogenerated electron and hole pairs. These pairs are then transferred through the Zn–N bonds bridge, formed between metals and ligands, to achieve an effective separation of electrons and holes. The separated electrons accumulate at the bottom of the conduction band, while the positively charged holes gather at the top of the valence band, participating in the photocatalytic oxidation and reduction reactions, respectively. As a result of the concentration difference, a continuous flow of electrons and holes are produced, which rapidly move and participate in the photocatalytic reaction (as depicted in Fig. 12c). Despite the effective separation of electrons and holes, their attraction to positive and negative charges leads to recombination, which in turn hampers the photocatalytic efficiency of the system. To address this issue, researchers have developed methods to trap electrons and holes separately, which greatly enhances the photocatalytic efficiency of the system. For example, the Shun Li group synthesized porous ZnO nanocages/rGO/carbon sponge derived from Zn-MOF (ZIF-8) (as illustrated in Fig. 12d–f) for degradation of organic pollutants in the water. 72 In this system, the porous nanocages MOF-derived ZnO materials are bandaligned on the rGO surface, where the electrons generated Nanoscale Horizons Review Published on 08 July 2024. Downloaded on 11/14/2025 6:41:18 AM. View Article Online This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2024 Nanoscale Horiz., 2024, 9, 1432–1474 | 1453 under solar irradiation are injected into the rGO, preventing recombination of electrons and holes left behind. Additionally, the porous structure and high specific surface area increase contact with the reaction target, while the open transport Fig. 12 (a)–(c) FESEM images of as-prepared NNU-36 photocatalysts. Pillared-layer structure of NNU-36, control experiments for the reduction of Cr(VI) under different conditions, control experiments for the photocatalytic degradation of RhB over NNU-36, schematic illustration of photocatalytic reduction Cr(VI) and degradation of dyes over NNU-36 under visible light irradiation, reproduced with permission from ref. 71, Copyright (2017) American Chemical Society. (d)–(f) Schematic illustration of the fabrication process, the SEM and element mapping images of ZnO ZIF-8 , changes of the characteristic absorption of RhB under different irradiation time using ZRCs, schematic illustration of photocatalytic reaction in ZRCs-based microreactor. Reproduced with permission from ref. 72, Copyright (2018) American Chemical Society. (g)–(j) Perspective view of the complex cation of 1 and 2, the MB degradation under different photocatalytic conditions, a schematic illustration of the energy position and MB degradation over two complexes. Reproduced with permission from ref. 218, Copyright (2021) Elsevier. Review Nanoscale Horizons Published on 08 July 2024. Downloaded on 11/14/2025 6:41:18 AM. View Article Online 1454 | Nanoscale Horiz., 2024, 9, 1432–1474 This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2024 channels promote the transport of electrons and ions and speed up the reaction. Furthermore, the carbon-based materials enhance the absorption of sunlight by the reaction system. These factors contribute to the superior photocatalytic performance exhibited by Zn-MOF derivatives. The zinc-based MOF ZIF-8 was utilized by Sujit K. Ghosh’s group to protect hybrid bromide perovskites (HBP) nanocrystals in the degradation of toxic organic pollutants in water, yielding good photocatalytic performance. The sodium-like salt topology of the Zn-based MOF prevented nanoparticles from aggregating or escaping from the framework. The hbp@ZIF-8 composites possess a narrow band gap (2.26–3.1 eV), which indicates good light absorption properties. 73 In another study, Coand Cu-based MOFs were synthesized and utilized for the degradation of MB under visible light (as shown in Fig. 12g–j). 218 These MOFs had different metal centers and ligands, leading to varying band gaps. The band gap of the Co-MOF was significantly smaller than that of the Cu-based MOF, suggesting that electrons could more easily leap to the conduction band bottom and achieve effective electron–hole separation. Notably, the photocatalytic process primarily occurred on the surface of the catalyst rather than inside, which is attributed to the larger particle size of MB relative to the pore size of Cuand Co-MOF. 2.3.3.2 Bimetallic MOF-based composites. Bimetallic MOFbased composites have been demonstrated to possess more metal sites for ligands than monometallic MOF-based composites. This characteristic gives rise to a multidimensional stereospecific structure that promotes the production of active substances and good conduction channels for enhanced reaction rates. The Fe–Zr-based bimetallic MOF, derived from NH 2 - UiO-66 MOF (as shown in Fig. 13a–e), was synthesized by Majid Masteri-Farahani’s group for water remediation. This MOFbased composite has shown to effectively degrade organic dyes, such as methyl violet 2B, rhodamine B, malachite green, and MB, as well as tetracycline (TC). The dye and TC removal rates were up to 92% and 85%, respectively. The efficient separation of electron–hole carriers is obviously observed after the introduction of Fe into the Zr-MOF, with photogenerated electrons being transferred to Fe–Cr-MOF. This transfer leads to the reduction of Fe 3+ to Fe 2+ , which accelerates the photocatalytic process. 228 Indeed, bimetallic MOFs have been found to enhance the efficiency of photocatalytic remediation of water compared to monometallic MOFs. For instance, Zn–Co-based bimetallic nanocages MOF (shown in Fig. 13f–i) were utilized in the photocatalytic removal of organic pollutants, including MB and crystal violet (CV), from water. The nanocages structure of the MOFs provides a large specific surface and reactive sites for superoxide group generation. This in turn, traps photogenerated electrons under visible light and inhibits electron and hole recombination, thereby boosting the photocatalytic performance. The Zn–Co-based nanocages MOF exhibited the 84.3%, 87.9%, and 89.5% of removal of CV, MB, and RhB dye pollutants, respectively. 229 A Fe–Sn-based MOF with a core– shell structure was synthesized and its photocatalytic ability was demonstrated by degrading acid red 3R (AR3R) dye in water with 100% degradation efficiency of AR3R within 30 minutes. The effective charge separation, strong photo-response, and rich active sites make a significant contribution the high photocatalytic efficiency of the material. it is also noteworthy that Fe and its oxides possess good ferromagnetism, which facilitates the catalyst’s recovery rate, with over 90% after five cycles. 230 These findings suggest that the performance of monometallic MOFs with good structural stability and high recovery rates can be enhanced by introducing appropriate metals into the MOF. In addition to these representative bimetallic MOFs, several proliferating MOFs have been widely employed in photocatalysis for water remediation of pollutants in water. 231–235 While bimetallic MOFs offer numerous benefits for catalytic reactions, not all metals are suitable for their realization. Catalytic reactions require appropriate reaction sites and effective guiding channels for electron transfer and ion diffusion. Although a bimetallic center creates more metals sites for organic linkers to form ligands, it often comes at the expense of porous structures or guide channels, resulting in the generation of a large amount of reactive material that cannot be quickly transported to participate in the reaction. This not only fails to facilitate the reaction but also inhibits this process. 2.3.3.3 Multi-metallic MOF-based composites. Multi-metal MOF-based composites combine many advantages over monoand bi-metal ones, including a larger specific surface area, diverse and controllable porous structures, good electron transport properties, and channeling by multiple metals. Bi-based materials are classical photocatalysts in the field of photocatalysis, owing to their unique electronic structure, good light absorption properties, strong redox ability, easily tunable structure, and richer active groups. A novel Zn–Bi–Co based multimetallic MOFs were synthesized and applied for the treatment of textile wastewater, with CR dye being the primary pollutant. The introduction of Bi and Co metals into the Zn-MOF resulted in better photocatalytic activity (99.6%) for the degradation of CR dye, owing to the newly established interfaces and electron transfer channels that facilitated the transfer of photogenerated electrons while effectively separating them from holes (as shown in Fig. 14a). Furthermore, the introduction of metals into MOFs not only alters their surface morphology, but also increases surface area and the number of active sites, which are all inevitable factors leading to high performance. The superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, which directly depend on the number and separation efficiency of photogenerated electrons and holes, are considered to be the main reactive groups involved in photocatalytic reactions. 236 To explore the potential of multi-metallic MOFs in photocatalytic applications, the Vahid Safarifard group synthesized Zr–Ni–Fe based multimetallic MOFs derived from Zr-MOF (MOF-808) (shown in Fig. 14b–d) focus on meropenem degradation and Cr(VI) reduction. The study investigated the influence of various factors, such as the amount of catalyst, pH, type of scavenger, drug dose on the catalytic performance. The results showed that the highest efficiency of 100% was achieved within Nanoscale Horizons Review Published on 08 July 2024. Downloaded on 11/14/2025 6:41:18 AM. View Article Online This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2024 Nanoscale Horiz., 2024, 9, 1432–1474 | 1455 60 minutes at pH = 2 for Cr(VI) reduction and 100% in 60 min for meropenem degradation. Moreover, the catalyst maintained the same degradation efficiency after eight cycles. It is worth noting that Ni and Fe are magnetic metals with a lower bandgap, which facilitates electron transfer, but also easy electron–hole rrecombination, thereby inhibiting photocatalytic performance. It was found that the best performance was obtained at a ferrite: MOF ratio was 1:2, and the introduction of magnetic metals also enhanced the catalyst recovery rate. 237 Pure TiO 2 is known for its limited photocatalytic performance and low utilisation of sunlight. Recently, X. Sahaya Shajan’s group synthesized Zn–Ti–Cd based multi-metallic MOF nanocomposite aerogels and evaluated their photocatalytic performance in the degradation of methyl orange (MO) and Fig. 13 (a)–(e) FE-SEM images of Fe-UiO-66, photocatalytic degradation of MV in various systems, UV-vis absorption spectra for Fe-UiO-66 + H 2 O 2 + Vis system, photo-Fenton degradation of different organic dyes in the presence of Fe-UiO-66, the possible photocatalytic route for degradation of organic pollutants over Fe-UiO-66 photocatalyst. Reproduced with permission from ref. 228, Copyright (2021) Elsevier. (f)–(i) Schematic representation of the formation of ZnCo-MOF derived ZCO nanocages, FESEM image of ZCO at (a) low magnification, and (b) high magnification, histogram of dye degradation percentage estimated for photo catalytically degraded CV, MB, and RhB dyes in the existence of 50 mg of ZCO nanocages at several illumination times. Reproduced with permission from ref. 229, Copyright (2022) Elsevier. Review Nanoscale Horizons Published on 08 July 2024. Downloaded on 11/14/2025 6:41:18 AM. View Article Online 1456 | Nanoscale Horiz., 2024, 9, 1432–1474 This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2024 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) dye, with maximum degradation efficiency of 94.1% for MO dye. The enhanced performance of the nanocomposite aerogels can be attributed to the generation of multiple interfaces, enhanced light utilization, and efficient electron injection (shown in Fig. 14e). 238 The construction of polymetallic MOF-based composites by introducing magnetic or non-magnetic metals to improve photocatalytic performance has been tried from the past to the present, 239,240 but the development of new MOF-based composites is limited, and it is therefore essential to optimize the use of the existing ones. The use of MOF-based composites as photocatalysts for water remediation holds great promise. Their multi-void and high specific surface area properties provide numerous reactive sites for photocatalytic reactions. Notably, the customizable nature of MOF-based composites, with various metal centers and tunable photo responsiveness, renders them highly prospective as photocatalysts. Table 3 presents a concise overview of the photocatalytic water remediation performance of monometallic, bimetallic, and multi-metallic MOF-based composites. The table includes key parameters such as the type and concentration of pollutants, catalyst amount, catalytic time, and photocatalytic efficiency. Monometallic MOFs typically exhibit high specific surface area and a well-defined pore structure, facilitating efficient pollutant adsorption and exposure of photocatalytic active sites, thereby enhancing Fig. 14 (a) Photocatalytic mechanism of MOF-5/BiCoO 3 composite under light irradiation. Reproduced from ref. 236. (b)–(d) FE-SEM images of samples NiFe 2 O 4 /MOF-808, time-dependent plot for NiFe 2 O 4 , MOF-808, NiFe 2 O 4 /MOF-808 (1 : 1.5, 1 : 2 and, 1 : 3), Proposed mechanism of photocatalytic performance by NiFe 2 O 4 /MOF-808 composite, reproduced with permission from ref. 237, Copyright (2022) Elsevier. (e) Plausible photocatalytic mechanism of MO degradation by porphyrin-sensitized TiO 2 @Cd-MOF nanocomposite aerogel heterogenous photocatalyst, reproduced with permission from ref. 238, Copyright (2022) Elsevier. Nanoscale Horizons Review Published on 08 July 2024. Downloaded on 11/14/2025 6:41:18 AM. View Article Online This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2024 Nanoscale Horiz., 2024, 9, 1432–1474 | 1463 3. Conclusions and perspectives This review provides a critical assessment of the recent advancements in MOF-based composites featuring monometallic, bimetallic, and multi-metallic centers, with a focus on their applications in detecting, absorbing, and degrading environmental pollutants. The components tunability of MOF-based composites by selecting and tailoring metal centers allows them to meet the needs of specific applications. Specifically, the discussion centers on their efficacy in hazardous gases sensing, EMWA, and the degradation of pollutants in both aqueous and atmospheric environments. Among them, the molecular sieve effect being considered unique in MOF-based composites with network structure of large and small pores are employed for hazardous gases sensing applications. The multichannel structures are designed in the MOF-based composites by changing the chosen metals and post-treatment processes to enhance conductive and magnetic properties for EMWA, and rich active site and electron transport properties for degradation of pollutants in both aqueous and atmospheric environments. In the following points, more specific conclusions and perspectives are provided: (1) Employing only one type of metal may result in relatively low selectivity, limiting the material’s capability to discern and detect specific gases. The incorporation of certain additional metal ions into MOFs evidently enhances their performance in hazardous gases sensing. However, challenges related to structural instability arise from mismatches between the incorporated metals. Relatively intricate synthesis processes lead to high production costs, restricting further applications. (2) Multi-metallic MOF-based composites are very limited in hazardous gases sensing applications. Different factors limit sensor applications, such as the stability of multi-metallic MOFs, especially in high temperature or humidity environments for gas sensing, the structural damage or inactivation of the active sites of polymetallic MOFs. Moreover, no study has yet been able to demonstrate that the multi-metallic MOFs exhibit obvious advantages in terms of hazardous gas sensing compared to monoand bi-metallic MOFs. The latter are highly favored due to easier synthesis methods and better structural stability. (3) The material prerequisites for MOFs in EMWA encompass two main aspects. Firstly, the central metal must possess magnetic properties to effectively absorb the magnetic component of the EMWs. Secondly, the adoption of a multi-channel design is essential to enhance conductivity characteristics. Consequently, the design focus shifts towards the incorporation of multiple metals, with emphasis on magnetic metals, such as Co, Ni, and Fe. This strategic utilization of multi-metal MOFs, particularly those endowed with magnetic properties, holds considerable promise in advancing the performance of EMW absorbers. (4) Relying solely on dielectric losses or magnetic losses would be unwise, but combination of magnetic and dielectricbased MOFs could potentially overcome the limitations of a lack of magnetism and make it the best option in the EMWA field. Furthermore, multi-metallic MOFs are capable of covering a broader range of EMW frequencies. This is attributed to the unique electronic structures and magnetic properties of the various metals involved, which enable these materials to absorb both low and high-frequency EMWs. The presence of multiple metal in MOFs enhances both dielectric loss and magnetic loss through the synergistic interactions among the different metals. Dielectric loss results from the energy dissipation during the polarization process within the material, while magnetic loss arises from the magnetization process of the magnetic metals. The integration of these two mechanisms significantly enhances the EMWA performance. (5) Multi-metallic MOFs can absorb EMWs through various mechanisms, including conductive loss, magnetic loss, dielectric loss, and multiple scattering. The combination of different metal centers and organic ligands generates multiple absorption mechanisms, further enhancing the materials’ absorption efficiency. For instance, the presence of heterogeneous atoms and interfaces provided interfacial polarization centers and defective polarization centers, driving polarization losses into action, resulting in enhancing impedance matching properties. (6) By adjusting the types and ratios of metal ions and organic ligands, the physical and chemical properties of MOFs—such as electrical conductivity, magnetic permeability, and dielectric constant—can be precisely tuned to optimize their EMWA properties. However, structural stability and durability pose significant challenges for multi-metallic MOFs, particularly at high temperatures or under strong electromagnetic field environments. Ensuring the consistency and reproducibility of the performance of multi-metallic MOFs in largescale production remains a difficult task, confining their application largely to experimental research stages. (7) MOFs with diverse metal centers result in a broad and effective light-absorbing range encompassing both visible and UV regions—a critical characteristic for effective photocatalysis. Furthermore, the efficiency of photocatalysis in water remediation is influenced by the lifetime of the excited state after the photoexcited catalytic reaction. The judicious selection and modulation of metal centers in MOFs can extend the excited state lifetime, significantly enhancing catalytic performance, attributing to different metal centers exhibit different electron affinities and conductivities. (8) A highly tailored pore structure to improve adsorption efficiency, faster electron transport, and a sufficiently high stability to against humidity, temperature, and gas influencing factors are necessary as MOF materials under different environments in which the reaction occurs, with gases having a large free diffusivity as well as the presence of lower concentrations of hazardous gases. (9) Multi-metallic MOF applications are relatively limited due to the constraints posed by the synthesis and use of these catalysts in the air-catalyzed reactions. The synthesis of multimetallic MOFs is complex and not ideal when strict microstructural and phase homogeneity are required. Additionally, multi-metallic MOFs may experience dissolution or Review Nanoscale Horizons Published on 08 July 2024. Downloaded on 11/14/2025 6:41:18 AM. View Article Online 1464 | Nanoscale Horiz., 2024, 9, 1432–1474 This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2024 reorganization of metal ions during the reaction process, resulting in partial structural collapse or reduced activity. The use of multiple metal precursors in the synthesis further increases material costs and process complexity. Furthermore, metal ions have to be protected from oxidation to ensure an abundance of reaction sites, which becomes increasingly challenging as the number of metal species in MOFs increases. Precious metals are often favored to meet these conditions, but this comes at a high cost. Data availability Data sharing is not applicable to this review manuscript ‘‘MultiMetallic MOFs based Composites for Environmental Applications: Synergizing Metal Centers and Interactions’’ as no datasets were generated or analysed during the current review work. Conflicts of interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships. Acknowledgements The authors acknowledge the funding support from the financial support by China Scholarship Council (202106970006). The authors also acknowledge the 6G-life project (project no. 16KISK001K), VolkswagenStiftung project (grant no. 96632, 9B396), EU project ‘‘SMELLODI’’ (grant no. 101046369), the SAB project ‘‘KoMMet’’ funded by the State Ministry of Science and Cultural Affairs of Saxony, Germany (grant agreement ID: 100715133), and Cluster of Excellence ‘‘Centre for Tactile Internet with Human-in-the-Loop’’ (CeTI, project ID 390696704) of TUD Dresden University of Technology for support. 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