Bimetallic atom incorporation in MOFs: Real-time patch to existing synthesis/characterization insights and initial...

Recently, Metal-organic framework (MOF)-derived diatomic catalysts (DACs) have emerged as novel optimal candidates for advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). Currently, several reviews have summarized MOF-derived DACs and their applications in AOPs. However, novel perspectives yet to be reported and in-depth discussions grounded in current research status remain underexplored. This review tries to provide some real-time patches to the existing insights into synthesis, characterization, and mechanism research. First, the dynamic process of catalyst synthesis was examined through a time-scale lens, focusing on the incorporation of targeted metal. Critical conditions during precursor pyrolysis and the evolution of support configuration were systematically summarized. Subsequently, conventional characterization techniques were reviewed, highlighting potential risks of data misinterpretation and proposing optimization strategies for characterization paradigms based on information necessity. The current application and practical implementation challenges of in-situ characterization technologies were also discussed. Furthermore, the persulfate-mediated water purification mechanism of MOF-derived DACs was elucidated, emphasizing the regulatory effects of secondary metal atom introduction on oxidant capture pathways and the enhancement in pollutant decomposition driven by metal-support-pollutant synergies. Finally, challenges in the design and practical implementation of MOF-derived DACs are proposed. This review is expected to accelerate the development of MOF-derived DACs, enabling their brilliant performance in water purification.