Unveiling cutting-edge advances in high surface area porous materials for the efficient removal of toxic metal ions from water

This review offers a comprehensive evaluation of an emerging category of adsorbing materials known as high surface area materials (HSAMs) in the realm of water remediation. The objective is to shed light on recent advancements in HSAMs featuring multiple dimensionalities, addressing their efficacy in adsorbing toxic metal ions from wastewater. The spectrum of HSAMs examined in this review encompasses metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), carbon-based porous materials, mesoporous silica, polymer-based porous materials, layered double hydroxides, and aerogels. This review delves into the state-of-the-art design and synthetic approaches for these materials, elucidating their inherent properties. It particularly emphasizes how the combination of high surface area and pore structure contributes to their effectiveness in adsorbing toxic metal ions. These materials possess remarkable attributes, including molecular functionalization versatility, high porosity, expansive surface area, distinctive physicochemical characteristics, and well-defined crystal structures, rendering them exceptional adsorbents. While each of these materials boasts unique advantages stemming from their remarkable properties, their synthesis often entails intricate and costly procedures, presenting a substantial obstacle to their commercialization and widespread adoption. Finally, the review underscores the existing challenges that must be addressed to expedite their translation for water remediation applications of these promising materials.