Functionality review and life cycle assessment of a silver-based MOF for advanced material and sustainability applications

This review provides an in-depth analysis of the synthesis, properties, and diverse applications of silver-based metal–organic frameworks (U-AgMOFs), with a focus on those synthesized via ultrasonication. The term “U-AgMOF” is used to reflect the use of ultrasonication in its fabrication, which allows for precise control over its nanoscale structure. U-AgMOF exhibits enhanced antibacterial properties and strong compatibility with two-dimensional materials like graphene oxide and Ti₃C₂T_x MXene. U-AgMOFs show significant promise in applications such as antibacterial coatings, membrane technologies, and environmental remediation. Key findings include 98% methylene blue dye adsorption efficiency, a 75% reduction in Escherichia coli growth at a concentration of 100 µg/mL and a 25% improvement in water permeability when incorporated into thin-film nanocomposite membranes. U-AgMOFs have also demonstrated over 80% apoptosis induction in colon cancer cells at 200 µg/mL. Additionally, this review presents the first life cycle assessment of any MOF, offering insights into its environmental impact and energy consumption, with recommendations for improving sustainability in future production.