Cold plasma-engineered metal-organic frameworks: A new paradigm for next-generation environmental applications

Cold plasma-assisted approaches have emerged as attractive tools for the synthesis and modification of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) because they enable rapid, low-temperature, and energy-efficient processing while offering precise control over surface and structural properties. This review provides a critical overview of plasma-assisted MOF engineering, covering synthesis strategies, post-synthetic functionalization, defect engineering, and hybrid/composite formation, together with the fundamental mechanisms governing plasma–MOF interactions. Recent advances in plasma-induced nucleation and crystallization, solvent-free processing, surface activation, and defect generation are systematically discussed, with emphasis on their effects on MOF structure and performance. The review further highlights the application of plasma-engineered MOFs in CO₂ capture and conversion, environmental remediation, catalysis, sensing, and energy storage. Emerging opportunities in AI-assisted process optimization, digital twin technologies, and data-driven materials design are also briefly examined as future directions for scalable plasma–MOF manufacturing. Finally, key challenges related to mechanistic understanding, reproducibility, process standardization, and industrial implementation are critically evaluated. By linking plasma processing conditions with MOF structure–property relationships, this review provides insights into the rational design of next-generation plasma-engineered MOFs for sustainable environmental and energy applications.