Abstract Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are an emerging class of crystalline porous materials known for their exceptional tunability, high surface area, and versatile architectures. Originating from coordination chemistry in the 1990s, MOFs have rapidly advanced beyond traditional porous materials like zeolites and activated carbons in structural diversity and chemical functionality. This review highlights the synthesis, development, and environmental applications of MOFs, emphasizing their potential in air and water remediation. Owing to their customizable frameworks, MOFs offer superior adsorption, catalytic efficiency, and pollutant selectivity compared to conventional materials. Recent innovations such as linker functionalization, post‐synthetic modification, and hybrid MOF composites have further improved their performance and reusability. Green synthesis approaches—including solvent‐free, mechanochemical, and microwave‐assisted methods—align MOF production with sustainable chemistry principles. Notably, this review integrates techno‐economic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA), demonstrating that optimized MOF systems can rival traditional remediation technologies in cost‐effectiveness and environmental sustainability. A case study on ZIF‐67 reveals that green synthesis significantly reduces life‐cycle impacts. However, challenges such as long‐term stability, large‐scale integration, and cost‐efficient production persist. This review calls for stronger academic–industrial collaboration to advance MOF technologies toward scalable, sustainable environmental solutions.
Singh et al. (2025) studied this question.