Molecular design of covalent organic frameworks for seawater desalination: A state-of-the-art review

Abstract

Seawater desalination is gaining interest as global water scarcity looms. Conventional materials limit the improvement of desalination components such as membranes, electrodes, and solar absorbers. The breakthrough in molecular design achieved by covalent organic frameworks (COFs) can potentially lead to developing highly efficient desalination materials. This review presents desalination technologies that have been explored using COFs. Here, after an introduction to the properties of COFs, each desalination technology is comprehensively surveyed, including the process, salt removal mechanism, conventional materials, and technological challenges. The molecular design strategies of COFs are then discussed, highlighting their potential to optimize desalination performance. The advances in COFs’ molecular design for desalination in each technology are then reviewed. The conclusion highlights the key research and development gaps that could be addressed with COFs. This review is a guide to investing in the power of molecular design to address industrial challenges in one of the most important applications, desalination. Seawater desalination is gaining interest as global water scarcity looms. Conventional materials limit the improvement of desalination components such as membranes, electrodes, and solar absorbers. The breakthrough in molecular design achieved by covalent organic frameworks (COFs) can potentially lead to developing highly efficient desalination materials. This review presents desalination technologies that have been explored using COFs. Here, after an introduction to the properties of COFs, each desalination technology is comprehensively surveyed, including the process, salt removal mechanism, conventional materials, and technological challenges. The molecular design strategies of COFs are then discussed, highlighting their potential to optimize desalination performance. The advances in COFs’ molecular design for desalination in each technology are then reviewed. The conclusion highlights the key research and development gaps that could be addressed with COFs. This review is a guide to investing in the power of molecular design to address industrial challenges in one of the most important applications, desalination. Catalyst: The roles of chemistry in clean water for allYoung-Shin JunChemJune 08, 2023In BriefUnderstanding nanoscale interfacial reactions unlocks the chemistry controls that are critical for generating clean water. This catalysis article discusses three important roles of chemistry in clean water: understanding and controlling evolving interfaces induced by nucleation, deciphering and utilizing hidden interfaces in nanoconfined spaces, and harnessing interfaces with functionalized surfaces. Chemically guided developments of new materials and technologies for purifying clean water can bring all water resources back to one H2O, which supports life for all people. Full-Text PDF