Metal-Organic Frameworks for NO_x Adsorption and Their Applications in Separation, Sensing, Catalysis, and Biology

Nitrogen oxide (NO _x) is a family of poisonous and highly reactive gases formed when fuel is burned at high temperatures during anthropogenic behavior. It is a strong oxidizing agent that significantly contributes to the ozone and smog in the atmosphere. Thus, NO _x removal is important for the ecological environment upon which the civilization depends. In recent decades, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been regarded as ideal candidates to address these issues because they form a reticular structure between proper inorganic and organic constituents with ultrahigh porosity and high internal surface area. These characteristics render them chemically adaptable for NO _x adsorption, separation, sensing, and catalysis. In additional, MOFs enable potential nitric oxide (NO) delivery for the signaling of molecular NO in the human body. Herein, the different advantages of MOFs for coping with current environmental burdens and improving the habitable environment of humans on the basis of NO _x adsorption are reviewed.