Hybrid heroes of water treatment: The rise of biochar-modified metal organic frameworks

Abstract

Biochar-metal organic framework (BC-MOF) composites are highly promising for water treatment due to their synergistic properties. In this regard, this review paper highlights their outstanding performance in removing various pollutants from water. The applications of these composites cover various environmental remediation processes, such as adsorption, photocatalysis, persulfate activation, and Fenton-like degradation. BC-MOF composites have demonstrated high performance in environmental applications, achieving pollutant removal efficiencies exceeding 90 % through adsorption and photocatalytic degradation. Moreover, degradation processes through advanced oxidation pathways, which produce active radicals, such as hydroxyl and superoxide radical-mediated breakdowns, significantly enhance the mineralization of organic pollutants. Many composites also retained >80 % of their initial capacity after 4-6 cycles, indicating good reusability. Overall, BC-MOF composites present a sustainable, high-performance solution for contaminant removal, with broad applicability against antibiotics, dyes, heavy metals, pesticides, and fluoride ions.