Advanced functional PVA-MOF hybrid composites: Emerging cutting-edge platforms for environmental remediation

Escalating resource depletion, environmental pollution, and growing waste streams have intensified the demand for sustainable and efficient remediation technologies. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have gained prominence due to their exceptionally high surface area, tunable porosity and strong adsorption capabilities. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a biodegradable polymer valued for its film-forming ability, hydrophilicity and mechanical strength, faces limitations related to water sensitivity and restricted thermal stability. Integrating MOFs with PVA has emerged as a promising strategy to address these challenges while harnessing the complementary merits of both materials. This review summarizes recent advances in PVA-MOF hybrid composites, highlighting synthesis approaches such as in situ growth, sol-gel processing, electrospinning and solution casting. These methods significantly influence the performance and thermal stability. The enhanced functionalities of PVA-MOF hybrids have enabled their successful application in water purification, heavy-metal removal, dye and pollutant adsorption, gas separation, air filtration, and solar-driven water evaporation. Despite their potential, challenges remain regarding stability under extreme conditions, scalable manufacturing, and the environmental footprint of synthesis procedures. Future research should focus on improving structural robustness, reducing fabrication costs, and promoting environmentally benign synthesis routes. Overall, PVA-MOF hybrid composites represent a versatile and sustainable platform with significant promise for next-generation environmental remediation technologies.