Harnessing MOF-based and derived catalysts for efficient BTEX oxidation: Progress, challenges, and future directions

Metal-organic framework (MOF)-derived catalysts have emerged as promising materials for the catalytic oxidation of BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene) pollutants due to their high surface area, customizable pore structures, and uniform metal dispersion. This review critically examines recent advancements in MOF-based and MOF-derived catalysts for BTEX oxidation, emphasizing their structural and compositional innovations. The analysis categorizes catalysts into noble metal-supported, single transition metal oxide, and bimetallic oxide catalysts, quantitatively comparing their catalytic performance, including conversion efficiency, selectivity, and stability under varying conditions. Notably, noble metal-supported catalysts achieve BTEX conversions exceeding 90 % at temperatures as low as 180 °C, while bimetallic oxides reveal enhanced durability and resistance to deactivation. This review also provides a mechanistic perspective on catalytic degradation pathways, including Mars-Van Krevelen, Langmuir-Hinshelwood, and Eley-Rideal models, highlighting the role of MOF-derived nanostructures in facilitating oxygen vacancy formation and active site exposure. Addressing key challenges such as catalyst deactivation due to SO₂ poisoning and water vapor, we propose innovative strategies for catalyst regeneration and enhanced longevity. This work fills a crucial gap in MOF-based catalytic research by systematically correlating structural properties with catalytic efficiency, offering a roadmap for future advancements in sustainable air pollution control.