Recent Advances in Zirconium‐Based Metal–Organic Framework Membranes for Desalination

ABSTRACT Zirconium‐based metal–organic frameworks (Zr‐MOFs) have emerged as promising desalination membrane materials owing to their exceptional chemical and hydrothermal stability, tunable nanoporous architectures, and versatile surface functionality. This review summarizes recent advances in Zr‐MOF membranes for desalination, focusing on representative systems such as UiO‐66 and its derivatives, MOF‐801, MOF‐808, and PCN‐224. It highlights how framework chemistry, pore architecture, defect engineering, and membrane configuration collectively govern water transport and ion selectivity. Fabrication strategies are systematically discussed, covering both pure Zr‐MOF membranes and mixed‐matrix membranes (MMMs). Desalination performance is evaluated across various separation processes, including pressure‐driven filtration, forward osmosis, and pervaporation. Finally, we discuss the molecular‐level sieving mechanisms and outline future research directions toward the development next‐generation materials for sustainable water desalination.