Recent advances in metal–organic frameworks for xylene isomers separation: Performance and mechanism insights

The separation of xylene isomers is considered among the most challenging chemical separation problems globally. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have shown considerable potential for the adsorption and separation of xylene isomers owing to their precise molecular-level tunability. This review comprehensively summarizes the primary mechanisms by which MOFs facilitate the adsorption and separation of xylene isomers, encompassing kinetic effects, thermodynamic effects, as well as their synergistic interactions. Furthermore, the adsorption capacities and separation selectivities of xylene isomers for MOFs with different dominant mechanisms are analyzed. Finally, the prospects and challenges associated with the large-scale industrial applications of MOFs in xylene isomers separation are discussed. • Explored MOFs’ mechanism in xylene isomers separation. • Summarized MOFs’ adsorption capacity & selectivity in xylene isomers.. • Elaborated MOFs’ challenges & prospects in xylene separation isomers.