Heavy
metal ion wastewater is a pressing and inescapable
issue
that is closely related to human health and ecological security due
to its toxicity, carcinogenicity, and the unmanageable property of
this type of wastewater. Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are
a class of crystalline nanoporous materials with flexible designability
and controllability, showing great potential in the field of adsorption
and purification of heavy metals in wastewater. In this Perspective,
we first discuss the harm of different heavy metal ions and briefly
expound virtues of MOFs for pollutant adsorption. Then, we mainly
summarize the recent advances in the construction of different metal-based
MOFs (Zr-based, Zn-based, Co-based, Al-based, etc.) and their research
progress in heavy metal ions adsorption. Furthermore, various types
of MOF additives can often be effectively applied for heavy metal
ion adsorption by functional modification or with other materials
composition. Additionally, several commonly used adsorption kinetics
and isotherm models are also detailed to help an in-depth understanding
of the adsorption mechanism. Finally, the challenges and opportunities
of MOFs for heavy metal ion adsorption are additionally discussed,
and this review may provide new insight for other potential water
purification applications.