Next-generation metal–organic frameworks for CO2 capture, CH4 utilization, and H2 integration: toward a circular and clean energy future

Abstract

Achieving carbon neutrality requires advanced materials capable of managing strategic gases at scale. Carbon dioxide (CO2) capture remains essential for mitigating emissions, methane (CH4) must be both valorized and controlled due to its global warming potential twenty-eight times higher than that of CO2, and hydrogen is increasingly regarded as a pillar of future energy systems. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as a transformative class of porous materials, with surface areas exceeding 6000 m2 g⁻1, tunable pore environments, and modular coordination chemistry. These attributes enable CO2 uptakes above 8–12 mmol g⁻¹, methane storage capacities near 200 v/v, and hydrogen (H2) volumetric densities up to 25 g L⁻1, values discussed in detail throughout this review. The goal of this work is to provide a unified and critical assessment of MOFs for CO2 capture, CH4 storage, and H2 adsorption, integrating mechanistic insights, structure–property relationships, and application-specific requirements. The review identifies shared performance drivers, highlights stability, scalability, and regeneration bottlenecks, and evaluates the conditions under which MOFs can realistically transition toward industrial deployment. By comparing these three gases within a common framework, the review clarifies actionable leverage points for carbon mitigation, methane utilization, and hydrogen storage. While promising, the role of MOFs as cross-cutting platforms remains contingent on overcoming durability and cost challenges. When aligned with industrial and policy frameworks, they may become key enablers of the clean energy transition.