Metal–organic framework-based materials for the recovery of uranium from aqueous solutions

Abstract

With increasing nuclear power generation, the recovery of uranium from aqueous solutions is of great importance to access uranium reserves for energy security and pollution management for environmental protection. Recently, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), with structural tailorability, controlled porosity, high surface area and abundant functional groups, have proved to be excellent adsorbents for uranium extraction. This review focuses on the recent advanced progress in MOFs and MOF-based materials as superior adsorbents for the efficient removal of uranium from aqueous solutions. The adsorption performance of the reported MOF-based materials is assessed, including adsorption capacity, selectivity, stability and reusability. Aspects regarding the interaction mechanisms between U(VI) and MOF-based adsorbents are also discussed. Finally, some personal perspectives to highlight the challenges and opportunities are provided in the hope of encouraging more researchers to engage in this area of MOF-based materials for uranium recovery.