Factorial experimental design for the optimization of highly selective adsorption removal of lead and copper ions using metal organic framework MOF-2 (Cd)

Adsorptive removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions: Progress of adsorbents development and their effectiveness

Increased levels of heavy metals (HMs) in aquatic environments poses serious health and ecological concerns. Hence, several approaches have been proposed to eliminate/reduce the levels of HMs before the discharge/reuse of HMs-contaminated waters. Adsorption is one of the most attractive processes for water decontamination; however, the efficiency of this process greatly depends on the choice of adsorbent. Therefore, the key aim of this article is to review the progress in the development and application of different classes of conventional and emerging adsorbents for the abatement of HMs from contaminated waters. Adsorbents that are based on activated carbon, natural materials, microbial, clay minerals, layered double hydroxides (LDHs), nano-zerovalent iron (nZVI), graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), metal organic frameworks (MOFs), and zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) are critically reviewed, with more emphasis on the last four adsorbents and their nanocomposites since they have the potential to significantly boost the HMs removal efficiency from contaminated waters. Furthermore, the optimal process conditions to achieve efficient performance are discussed. Additionally, adsorption isotherm, kinetics, thermodynamics, mechanisms, and effects of varying adsorption process parameters have been introduced. Moreover, heavy metal removal driven by other processes such as oxidation, reduction, and precipitation that might concurrently occur in parallel with adsorption have been reviewed. The application of adsorption for the treatment of real wastewater has been also reviewed. Finally, challenges, limitations and potential areas for improvements in the adsorptive removal of HMs from contaminated waters are identified and discussed. Thus, this article serves as a comprehensive reference for the recent developments in the field of adsorptive removal of heavy metals from wastewater. The proposed future research work at the end of this review could help in addressing some of the key limitations facing this technology, and create a platform for boosting the efficiency of the adsorptive removal of heavy metals.

Metal organic framework anchored onto biowaste mediated carbon material (rGO) for remediation of chromium (VI) by the photocatalytic process

Groundwater contaminated with hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) causes serious health concerns for the ecosystem. In this study, a hybrid amino functionalized MOF@rGO nanocatalyst was produced by utilization of a biowaste mediated carbon material (reduced graphene oxide; rGO) and its surface was modified by in situ synthesis of a nanocrystalline, mixed ligand octahedral MOF containing iron metal and NH2 functional groups and the prepared composite was investigated for Cr (VI) removal. The photocatalytic degradation of Cr(VI) in aqueous solutions was carried out under UV irradiation. Using a batch mode system, the effect of numerous control variables was examined, and the process design and optimization were carried out by response surface methodology (RSM). The photocatalyst, NH2-MIL(53)-Fe@rGO, was intended to be a stable and highly effective nanocatalyst throughout the recycling tests. XRD, SEM, EDS, FTIR examinations were exploited to discover more about surface carbon embedded with MOF. 2 g/L of NH2-MIL-53(Fe)/rGO was utilized in degrading 200 mg/L of Cr(VI) in just 100 min, implying the selective efficacy of such a MOF-rGO nanocatalyst. Moreover, the Eg determinations well agreed with the predicted range of 2.7 eV, confirming its possibility to be exploited underneath visible light, via the Tauc plot. Thus, MOF anchored onto biowaste derived rGO photo-catalyst was successfully implemented in chromium degradation.

Carboxymethyl-imidazolium O-vanillin Schiff base grafted into NH2-tagged MIL-101 (Cr) for effective removal of cupric ions from aqueous effluents

A novel adsorbent (MIL-CMIVSB) was fabricated by modification of H2N-MIL-101(Cr) with carboxymethyl-imidazolium O-vanillin Schiff base. The MIL-CMIVSB's physicochemical characteristics were examined using the pertinent characterization methods. NH2-MIL-101(Cr) has a BET surface area of 1492.4 m2g-1, while MIL-CMIVSB adsorbent had 1278.7 m2g-1. Batch adsorption experiments examined the MIL-CMIVSB's cupric ion adsorption capacity from aqueous solutions at different adsorbent doses (0.1-3 mg), pH (2.0-10.0), contact times (0-240 min), metal ion initial concentrations (10-300 mg/L), and temperatures (298-308 K). The optimum conditions were 1 mg/mL of MIL-CMIVSB adsorbent, 46 min adsorption time, pH 7, 100 ppm initial cupric ion concentration, and 303 K temperature. MIL-CMIVSB effectively and selectively removes cupric ions with an adsorption capability of 359.05 ± 12.06 mg/g. The nonlinear Liu isotherm governed Cu(II) sorption performance on MIL-CMIVSB (KL = 0.257 ± 0.01 mg/g, R2 = 0.99892) and pseudo-2nd-order kinetically (k2 = 0.00116 × 10-4 g/mg min, R2 = 0.99721).

Bimetal-Organic Frameworks Incorporating Both Hard and Soft Base Active Sites for Heavy Metal Ion Capture

The design and synthesis of stable porous materials capable of removing both hard and soft metal ions pose a significant challenge. In this study, a novel metal-organic framework (MOF) adsorbent named CdK-m-COTTTB was developed. This MOF material was constructed using sulfur-rich m-cyclooctatetrathiophene-tetrabenzoate (m-H4COTTTB) as the organic ligand and oxygen-rich bimetallic clusters as the inorganic nodes. The incorporation of both soft and hard base units within the MOF structure enables effective removal of various heavy metal ions, including both soft and hard acid species. In single-component experiments, the adsorption capacity of CdK-m-COTTTB for Pb2+, Tb3+, and Zr4+ ions reached levels of 636.94, 432.90, and 357.14 mg·g-1, respectively, which is comparable to specific MOF absorbents. The rapid adsorption process was found to be chemisorption. Furthermore, CdK-m-COTTTB exhibited the capability to remove at least 12 different metal ions in both separate and multicomponent solutions. The material demonstrated excellent acid-base stability and renewability, which are advantageous for practical applications. CdK-m-COTTTB represents the first reported pristine MOF material for the removal of both hard and soft acid metal ions. This work serves as inspiration for the design and synthesis of porous crystalline materials that can efficiently remove diverse heavy metal pollutants.

Calcium-Based Metal-Organic Framework: Detection and Idiosyncratic Removal of Copper by Nano-Particle Deposition

A novel calcium-based metal-organic framework (CaMOF@LSB) was designed and synthesized, exhibiting dual functionality for both selective detection and removal of Cu2+ ions from aqueous solutions. The framework's stability, including solvent and pH variations, was established with notable thermal resilience. Colorimetric Cu2+ detection (≥5 ppm) with a high capture capacity of 484.2 mg g-1 by CaMOF@LSB places this material among the few that ensure efficient colorimetric detection and high removal capabilities of Cu2+ ions. Batch adsorption experiments revealed pH-dependent behavior and competitive interactions. Langmuir and pseudo-second-order kinetics models aptly described adsorption isotherms and kinetics, respectively. Thermodynamic assessments confirmed spontaneous and endothermic adsorption. Mechanistically, nanoparticle deposition contributes to the Cu2+ uptake. CaMOF@LSB also exhibited one of the best removal behaviour of Cu2+ by means of oxide formation on the surface. Regeneration of CaMOF@LSB was achieved by simple sonication in 0.1 M aqueous NaOH solution. The recyclability was also tested up to 5 cycles, and it exhibited a small decrease in adsorption capacity observed across the cycles. This research presents a promising avenue for addressing heavy metal pollution using metal-organic frameworks, thereby offering potential applications in water purification and environmental pollution monitoring and remediation.

Design and application of metal organic frameworks for heavy metals adsorption in water: a review

The growing apprehension surrounding heavy metal pollution in both environmental and industrial contexts has spurred extensive research into adsorption materials aimed at efficient remediation. Among these materials, Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) have risen as versatile and promising contenders due to their adjustable properties, expansive surface areas, and sustainable characteristics, compared to traditional options like activated carbon and zeolites. This exhaustive review delves into the synthesis techniques, structural diversity, and adsorption capabilities of MOFs for the effective removal of heavy metals. The article explores the evolution of MOF design and fabrication methods, highlighting pivotal parameters influencing their adsorption performance, such as pore size, surface area, and the presence of functional groups. In this perspective review, a thorough analysis of various MOFs is presented, emphasizing the crucial role of ligands and metal nodes in adapting MOF properties for heavy metal removal. Moreover, the review delves into recent advancements in MOF-based composites and hybrid materials, shedding light on their heightened adsorption capacities, recyclability, and potential for regeneration. Challenges for optimization, regeneration efficiency and minimizing costs for large-scale applications are discussed.

Harnessing the Chemical Functionality of Metal-Organic Frameworks Toward Removal of Aqueous Pollutants

Wastewater treatment has been bestowed with a plethora of materials; among them, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are one such kind with exceptional properties. Besides their application in gas adsorption and storage, they are applied in many fields. In orientation toward wastewater treatment, MOFs have been and are being successfully employed to capture a variety of aqueous pollutants, including both organic and inorganic ones. This review sheds light on the postsynthetic modifications (PSMs) performed over MOFs to adsorb and degrade recalcitrant. Modifications performed on the metal nodes and the linkers have been explained with reference to some widely used chemical modifications like alkylation, amination, thiol addition, tandem modifications, and coordinate modifications. The boost in pollutant removal efficacy, reaction rate, adsorption capacity, and selectivity for the modified MOFs is highlighted. The rationale and the robustness of micromotor MOFs, i.e., MOFs with motor activity, and their potential application in the capture of toxic pollutants are also presented for readers. This review also discusses the challenges and future recommendations to be considered in performing PSM over a MOF concerning wastewater treatment.

Phyto-assisted synthesis of CuO/industrial waste derived biochar composite for adsorptive removal of doxycycline hydrochloride and recycling of spent biochar as green energy storage device

The highest exposure of Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDC) into the water bodies as a result of extensive production and application of Covid-19 related drugs is a growing concern now a days. Herein, a novel nanocomposite material was developed by impregnating green synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles on the porous surface of fabric waste derived biochar to eliminate the concerned EDCs along with a sustainable disposal strategy for the spent adsorbent. Morphological characterizations by Field emission scanning electron microscopy confirmed the formation of hierarchical porous structured material. X-ray analysis revealed presence of both amorphous nature of biochar matrix as well as the crystalline nature attributed from monodispersion of copper oxide nanoparticles onto biochar surface. Batch sorption study showed removal of doxycycline hydrochloride (DOX) of >97% after 2 h at pH 7, 30 mg L-1 initial concentration of DOX and 2 g L-1 of adsorbent dose at room temperature after a two-step optimization process. Spectroscopic study and Raman shift suggested that pore filling, strong complexation and electrostatic interactions maximise the adsorption of DOX in the CuO/biochar composite as compared to the pristine biochar. However disposal of spent adsorbent is a crucial aspect for the environment and therefore, a sustainable recycling strategy for DOX loaded adsorbent as electrode material has been proposed for the first time in this study. Maximum specific capacitance value was observed in the range of 221.9-297.3 F g-1 for the DOX loaded nanocomposite at 1 mV s-1 comparable with other reported heteroatom-doped carbonaceous material as electrode. Therefore the excellent adsorption capacity of green synthesized CuO/biochar composite and its recycling after DOX adsorption can be recommended as a sustainable solution for mitigation of pharmaceuticals from wastewater. A detail study on degradation of DOX into eco-friendly products and its cost-effectiveness would be beneficial to suggest appropriate mitigation strategy for such compounds.

Synthesis of double-shelled periodic mesoporous organosilica nanospheres/MIL-88A-Fe composite and its elevated performance for Pb2+ removal in water

Herein, we report the synthesis of double-shelled periodic mesoporous organosilica nanospheres/MIL-88A-Fe (DSS/MIL-88A-Fe) composite through a hydrothermal method. To survey the structural and compositional features of the synthesized composite, a variety of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques, including FT-IR, XRD, BET, TEM, FE-SEM, EDX, and EDX-mapping, have been employed. A noteworthy point in this synthesis procedure is the integration of MOF with PMO to increase the adsorbent performance, such as higher specific surface area and more active sites. This combination leads to achieving a structure with an average size of 280 nm and 1.1 μm long attributed to DSS and MOF, respectively, microporous structure and relatively large specific surface area (312.87 m²/g). The as-prepared composite could be used as an effective adsorbent with a high adsorption capacity (250 mg/g) and quick adsorption time (30 min) for the removal of Pb²⁺ from water. Importantly, DSS/MIL-88A-Fe composite revealed acceptable recycling and stability, since the performance in Pb²⁺ removal from water remained above 70% even after 4 consecutive cycles.

Metal-Organic Framework-Based Materials for Wastewater Treatment: Superior Adsorbent Materials for the Removal of Hazardous Pollutants

In previous years, different pollutants, for example, organic dyes, antibiotics, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural pollutants, have been of note to the water enterprise due to their insufficient reduction during standard water and wastewater processing methods. MOFs have been found to have potential toward wastewater management. This Review focused on the synthesis process (such as traditional, electrochemical, microwave, sonochemical, mechanochemical, and continuous-flow spray-drying method) of MOF materials. Moreover, the properties of the MOF materials have been discussed in detail. Further, MOF materials' applications for wastewater treatment (such as the removal of antibiotics, organic dyes, heavy metal ions, and agricultural waste) have been discussed. Additionally, we have compared the performances of some typical MOFs-based materials with those of other commonly used materials. Finally, the study's current challenges, future prospects, and outlook have been highlighted.

Biosorption of Cadmium and Lead by Dry Biomass of Nostoc sp. MK-11: Kinetic and Isotherm Study

Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) are global environmental pollutants. In this study, Nostoc sp. MK-11 was used as an environmentally safe, economical, and efficient biosorbent for the removal of Cd and Pb ions from synthetic aqueous solutions. Nostoc sp. MK-11 was identified on a morphological and molecular basis using light microscopic, 16S rRNA sequences and phylogenetic analysis. Batch experiments were performed to determine the most significant factors for the removal of Cd and Pb ions from the synthetic aqueous solutions using dry Nostoc sp. MK1 biomass. The results indicated that the maximum biosorption of Pb and Cd ions was found under the conditions of 1 g of dry Nostoc sp. MK-11 biomass, 100 mg/L of initial metal concentrations, and 60 min contact time at pH 4 and 5 for Pb and Cd, respectively. Dry Nostoc sp. MK-11 biomass samples before and after biosorption were characterized using FTIR and SEM. A kinetic study showed that a pseudo second order kinetic model was well fitted rather than the pseudo first order. Three isotherm models Freundlich, Langmuir, and Temkin were used to explain the biosorption isotherms of metal ions by Nostoc sp. MK-11 dry biomass. Langmuir isotherm, which explains the existence of monolayer adsorption, fitted well to the biosorption process. Considering the Langmuir isotherm model, the maximum biosorption capacity (q_max) of Nostoc sp. MK-11 dry biomass was calculated as 75.757 and 83.963 mg g^-1 for Cd and Pb, respectively, which showed agreement with the obtained experimental values. Desorption investigations were carried out to evaluate the reusability of the biomass and the recovery of the metal ions. It was found that the desorption of Cd and Pb was above 90%. The dry biomass of Nostoc sp. MK-11 was proven to be efficient and cost-effective for removing Cd and especially Pb metal ions from the aqueous solutions, and the process is eco-friendly, feasible, and reliable.

Superparamagnetic Multifunctionalized Chitosan Nanohybrids for Efficient Copper Adsorption: Comparative Performance, Stability, and Mechanism Insights

To limit the dangers posed by Cu(II) pollution, chitosan-nanohybrid derivatives were developed for selective and rapid copper adsorption. A magnetic chitosan nanohybrid (r-MCS) was obtained via the co-precipitation nucleation of ferroferric oxide (Fe₃O₄) co-stabilized within chitosan, followed by further multifunctionalization with amine (diethylenetriamine) and amino acid moieties (alanine, cysteine, and serine types) to give the TA-type, A-type, C-type, and S-type, respectively. The physiochemical characteristics of the as-prepared adsorbents were thoroughly elucidated. The superparamagnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were mono-dispersed spherical shapes with typical sizes (~8.5-14.7 nm). The adsorption properties toward Cu(II) were compared, and the interaction behaviors were explained with XPS and FTIR analysis. The saturation adsorption capacities (in mmol.Cu.g^-1) have the following order: TA-type (3.29) > C-type (1.92) > S-type (1.75) > A-type(1.70) > r-MCS (0.99) at optimal pH₀ 5.0. The adsorption was endothermic with fast kinetics (except TA-type was exothermic). Langmuir and pseudo-second-order equations fit well with the experimental data. The nanohybrids exhibit selective adsorption for Cu(II) from multicomponent solutions. These adsorbents show high durability over multiple cycles with desorption efficiency > 93% over six cycles using acidified thiourea. Ultimately, QSAR tools (quantitative structure-activity relationships) were employed to examine the relationship between essential metal properties and adsorbent sensitivities. Moreover, the adsorption process was described quantitatively, using a novel three-dimensional (3D) nonlinear mathematical model.

Self-propelled nanomotors based on hierarchical metal-organic framework composites for the removal of heavy metal ions

The outstanding performance efficiency for the removal of heavy metal ions in solution is governed by various factors: (a) sufficient contact probability between heavy metal ions and the adsorbent, (b) convenient diffusion/accessibility of heavy metal ions to the surface and the interior of the adsorbent, and (c) abundant binding sites for heavy metal ions on the adsorbent. We designed an efficient MnFe₂O₄ @MIL-53 @UiO-66 @MnO₂ adsorbent for Pb(II) and Cd(II) removal. The adsorbents were fabricated by merging self-propelled nanomotors, exploiting hierarchical structure, and using a metal-organic framework (MOF) composite to simultaneously meet the three requirements. The sufficient contact probability between Pb(II)/Cd(II) and MnFe₂O₄ @MIL-53 @UiO-66 @MnO₂ was achieved via the self-propelled movement of MnFe₂O₄ @MIL-53 @UiO-66 @MnO₂ which was induced by the catalytic decomposition of H₂O₂ by MnO₂. The convenient diffusion/accessibility of Pb(II)/Cd(II) on the surface and interior of MnFe₂O₄ @MIL-53 @UiO-66 @MnO₂ was achieved by exploiting the properties of the hierarchical structure of MnFe₂O₄ @MIL-53 @UiO-66 @MnO₂. Abundant binding sites (-COOH) on MIL-53 and UiO-66 composites were present for the binding of the Pb(II)/Cd(II) ions to the adsorbent. The adsorption capacities of the nanomotor adsorbent for Pb(II) and Cd(II) were 1018 and 440.8 mg g^-1 at 25 °C, respectively. Additionally, the complex formed of MnFe₂O₄ and MIL-53 endowed the adsorbent with easy-recyclable properties under the influence of an external magnet. The nanomotors exhibit satisfactory removal performances for Pb(II) and Cd(II).

A Novel Coordination Polymer as Adsorbent Used to Remove Hg(II) and Pb(II) from Water with Different Adsorption Mechanisms

Under the hydrothermal condition, a new type of two-dimensional coordination polymer ([Cd(D-Cam)(3-bpdb)]_n, Cd-CP) has been constructed. It is composed of D-(+)-Camphoric-Cd(II) (D-cam-Cd(II)) one-dimensional chain and bridging 1,4-bis(3-pyridyl)-2,3-diaza-1,3-butadiene (3-bpdb) ligands. Cd-CP has a good removal effect for Hg(II) and Pb(II), and the maximum adsorption capacity is 545 and 450 mg/g, respectively. Interestingly, thermodynamic studies have shown that the adsorption processes of Hg(II) and Pb(II) on Cd-CP use completely different thermodynamic mechanisms, in which the adsorption of Hg(II) is due to a strong electrostatic interaction with Cd-CP, while that of Pb(II) is through a weak coordination with Cd-CP. Moreover, Cd-CP has a higher affinity for Hg(II), and when Hg(II) and Pb(II) coexist, Cd-CP preferentially adsorbs Hg(II).

Facile synthesis of hierarchically structured MIL-53(Al) with superior properties using an environmentally-friendly ultrasonic method for separating lead ions from aqueous solutions

The present study aims at investigating sonochemically synthesized MIL-53(Al) and its applications in adsorption lead ions from aqueous solution. XRD, FESEM, BET, and FTIR analyses were employed to identify and characterize MIL-53(Al). The ultrasonic-assisted synthesis procedure results in reducing the synthesis time to 24 h; however, the conventional synthesis of MIL-53(Al) takes 3 days. Applying ultrasonic waves also leads to increase of the specific surface area up to 50% more than that of synthesized by the conventional method, as well as creating the hierarchical MIL-53(Al) structure which reduces the mass transfer limitation of ions into internal micropores. The optimum conditions for removing lead ions are pH of 6, Pb⁺² ion concentration of 20 mg/L, contact time of 60 min, adsorbent dose of 0.04 g, and temperature of 318 K with the removal efficiency of 97.63%. The experimental adsorption equilibrium and kinetic data fit the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models, respectively. Moreover, the usage of sonochemically synthesized MIL-53(Al), for the first time as an adsorbent in heavy metal removal points to the great potential of this new environmentally-friendly adsorbent in removing lead ions from aqueous solutions.

Facile immobilization of ethylenediamine tetramethylene-phosphonic acid into UiO-66 for toxic divalent heavy metal ions removal: An experimental and theoretical exploration

By the facile immobilization of ethylenediamine tetramethylene-phosphonic acid (EDTMPA) onto the surface and into the defects of UiO-66, a stable and efficient adsorbent named UiO-66-EDTMPA was obtained for the first time. In terms of removing aqueous heavy metal ions (Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺), the maximum adsorption capacities of UiO-66-EDTMPA reached 558.67, 271.34 and 210.89 mg/g, which were 8.77 (Pb²⁺), 5.63 (Cd²⁺) and 5.19 (Cu²⁺) times higher than raw UiO-66 respectively. The adsorption behavior of three heavy metal ions on UiO-66 and UiO-66-EDTMPA were investigated and compared through batch control experiments and theoretical studies. The main factors on adsorption progress (i.e., the dosage of EDTMPA, pH, ionic strength, co-existing ions, initial concentration, contact time, temperature) were explored, and the critical characterization (i.e., SEM, TEM, XRD, FT-IR, TG-DTG, XPS, N₂ adsorption-desorption test) were performed. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation (radial distribution functions (RDF) and mean square displacement (MSD)) were also applied to reveal the adsorption behavior. Besides, two new quantum chemical analyses (Hirshfeld surface and independent gradient model (IGM)) were introduced into the interaction analysis between UiO-66 and EDTMPA. The complete results showed that (1) where the hydrogen bond and (vdW) connect EDTMPA to UiO-66. (2) The coordination between O, N atoms of EDTMPA and heavy metal ions (Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺) resulted in spontaneous adsorption. (3) The adsorption behavior agreed with Langmuir and pseudo-second-order model, endothermic reaction. In addition, the desorption and reusability study showed promising stable and sustainable performance. This work has some guiding significance for the experimental and theoretical study of removing heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions by MOF or modified MOF materials.

Recent advances in the application of water-stable metal-organic frameworks: Adsorption and photocatalytic reduction of heavy metal in water

Heavy metals pollution in water is a global environmental issue, which has threatened the human health and environment. Thus, it is important to remove them under practical water environment. In recent years, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with water-stable properties have attracted wide interest with regard to the capture of hazardous heavy metal ions in water. In this review, the synthesis strategy and postsynthesis modification preparation methods are first summarized for water-stable MOFs (WMOFs), and then the recent advances on the adsorption and photocatalytic reduction of heavy metal ions in water by WMOFs are reviewed. In contrast to the conventional adsorption materials, WMOFs not only have excellent adsorption properties, but also lead to photocatalytic reduction of heavy metal ions. WMOFs have coupling and synergistic effects on the adsorption and photocatalysis of heavy metal ions in water, which make it more effective in treating single pollutants or different pollutants. In addition, by introducing appropriate functional groups into MOFs or synthesizing MOF-based composites, the stability and ability to remove heavy metal ions of MOFs can be effectively enhanced. Although WMOFs and WMOF-based composites have made great progress in removing heavy metal ions from water, they still face many problems and challenges, and their application potential needs to be further improved in future research. Finally, this review aims at promoting the development and practical application of heavy metal ions removal in water by WMOFs.

Chitosan coated Fe3O4@Cd-MOF microspheres as an effective adsorbent for the removal of the amoxicillin from aqueous solution

In this work, for the first time, a new magnetic cadmium-based MOFs (Fe₃O₄@Cd-MOF) was successfully synthesized in a green way and then modified with chitosan (CS) in the microsphere form (Fe₃O₄@Cd-MOF@CS). The obtained materials were fully characterized by several techniques. In the following, the efficiency of Fe₃O₄@Cd-MOF@CS was explored for the removal of amoxicillin (AMX). The outcome of the adsorption study showed that the removal efficiency is affected by CS and reaches its optimum at pH 8 and contact time of 240 min. Under optimized conditions, over 75% of AMX was removed. The kinetic and the isotherm of the adsorption were fit with the pseudo-second-order model and the Langmuir adsorption isotherm respectively. Eventually, the maximum adsorption capacity was obtained ~103.09 mg/g. Interestingly, these findings convince that the newly prepared Fe₃O₄@Cd-MOF@CS could be proposed as a promising magnetically separable adsorbent for antibiotic contaminants removal from the aqueous solution.

Response surface methodology for strontium removal process optimization from contaminated water using zeolite nanocomposites

The effective removal of strontium from polluted water is an emerging issue worldwide, especially in Japan, after the destruction of Fukushima's Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. In the strontium removal process, statistical optimization of associated factors is needed to reduce the quantity of chemicals and the number of experimental trials. In this study, response surface methodology based on the central composite design was employed for assessing the influence of different factors and their interaction effects on the efficiency of strontium removal. We have considered nanoscale zero-valent iron-zeolite (nZVI-Z) and nano-Fe/Cu zeolite (nFe/Cu-Z) as adsorbents for the effective removal of strontium. The results suggested that the studied three factors such as pH, contact time, and concentration are positively related to the adsorption of strontium. That is, the maximum strontium removal occurred at pH, initial concentration, and contact time of 12, 200 mg L^-1, and 30 min, respectively. The experimental maximum strontium adsorption capacity of nZVI-Z and nFe/Cu-Z adsorbents is 32.5 mg/g and 34 mg/g, respectively. The present study also showed that the most statistically significant potential contributor was initial concentration, followed by contact time in the removal process. The study indicated that the interaction effect between contact time and initial concentration was statistically important, suggesting the need for a multi-mechanism technique in the removal phase of strontium. Tόth, Langmuir, Dubinin-Astakhov (D-A), Freundlich, and Hill isotherm models were also fitted with the experimental strontium adsorption data, in which the Tόth model fitted best compared to the other models based on the RMSD and R².

Capture of Toxic Oxoanions from Water Using Metal-Organic Frameworks

The effective capture of common water contaminants using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) presents a remedy for current environmental concerns arising from the pollution of water sources. The crystalline porous nature of MOFs, their high internal surface area, and exceptional tunability make them suitable candidates for sequestration and removal of pollutants. However, the efficiency of capture depends largely on the nature of the interactions between the anions and the MOF. In this work, to elucidate the host-guest interactions involved in the capture of such pollutants, we explore three characteristically different MOFs: ZIF-8, iMOF-2c, and MOF-74. We demonstrate by ab initio electronic structure calculations the importance of exploiting qualitatively different binding modes for strong host-guest interactions available in the selected MOFs. Our simulations reveal the relative performance of neutral and cationic adsorbents while underscoring the importance of employing MOFs containing open metal sites for the efficient uptake of anions.

Statistical techniques for the optimization of cesium removal from aqueous solutions onto iron-based nanoparticle-zeolite composites

Statistical optimization of performance determining factors is essential for the development of a cesium removal system from aqueous solutions. Therefore, factorial experimental design and multiple regression techniques were employed to assess the primary and interaction effects of the pH, initial concentration, and contact time in the cesium removal process using nanoscale zero-valent iron-zeolite (nZVI-Z) and nano-Fe/Cu-zeolite (nFe/Cu-Z) as an adsorbent. The optimum region of cesium removal was identified by constructing a contour plot. The study revealed that initial concentration was the most significant factor followed by contact time. The study also suggested that maximum cesium removal occurred at pH, initial concentration, and contact time of 6, 200 mg/L, and 30 min, respectively. Moreover, the statistically significant interaction effect was observed between contact time and initial concentration. The experimental data were also fitted with Tόth, Langmuir, Dubinin-Astakhov (D-A), Freundlich, and Hill models and found that the Tόth model fitted better compared with the other four models based on Akaike information criterion (AIC) and root-mean-square deviation (RMSD). The findings of this paper can undoubtedly contribute to constructing the optimum statistical process of removing hazardous pollutants from the water, which significantly impacts on human health and the environment. Graphical abstract.

Ethylenediamine-functionalized Zr-based MOF for efficient removal of heavy metal ions from water

Ethylenediamine-functionalized Zr-based metal-organic framework (MOF, UiO-66-EDA) was prepared via Michael addition reaction to investigate its potential for adsorption of heavy metal ions from water. Specifically, the influence of agitation time, solution pH, the dosage of the adsorbent, initial metal ion concentration, temperature, and coexistence of other metal ions was investigated on the removal efficiency of UiO-66-EDA towards Pb(II), Cd(II), and Cu(II) metal ions. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model governed the adsorption of these ions onto the UiO-66-EDA. Langmuir isotherm model matched the experimental isotherm of adsorption with a maximum adsorption capacity of 243.90, 217.39, and 208.33 mg/g for Pb, Cd, and Cu ions, respectively. The adsorption of Pb, Cd, and Cu ions onto UiO-66-EDA was dependent on electron exchange, electron sharing, electrostatic and covalent interactions between the metal ions as well as the abundant functional groups on UiO-66-EDA surface. Thermodynamic parameters such as free energy changes (ΔG), standard enthalpy changes (ΔH), and standard entropy changes (ΔS) were calculated, which revealed spontaneous and endothermic nature of the adsorption process. The UiO-66-EDA was stable and recyclable during adsorption studies of Pb, Cd, and Cu ions, suggesting its potentiality as an adsorbent for heavy metals recovery.

A critical review on recent developments in MOF adsorbents for the elimination of toxic heavy metals from aqueous solutions

Effective and substantial remediation of contaminants especially heavy metals from water is still a big challenge in terms of both environmental and biological perspectives because of their adverse effects on the human health. Many techniques including adsorption, ion exchange, co-precipitation, chemical reduction, ultrafiltration, etc. are reported for eliminating heavy metal ions from the water. However, adsorption has preferred because of its simple and easy handlings. Several types of adsorbents are observed and documented well for the purpose. Recently, highly porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) were developed by incorporating metals and organic ligands together and claimed as potent adsorbents for the remediation of highly toxic heavy metals from the aqueous solutions due to their unique features like greater surface area, high chemical stability, green and reuse material, etc. In this review, the authors discussed systematically some recent developments about secure MOFs to eliminate the toxic metals such as arsenic (both arsenite and arsenate), chromium(VI), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb). MOFs are observed as the most efficient adsorbents with greater selectivity as well as high adsorption capacity for metallic contamination. Graphical abstract.

Microwave-assisted urea modified crop residue in Cu2+ scavenging

Raphia hookeri fruit epicarp (RHFE) was used in a novel adsorbent preparation via a combination of urea modification and microwave irradiation. The prepared adsorbent (URHFE) was characterized physicochemically, spectroscopically and microscopically characterized. URHFE efficiency in Cu²⁺ scavenging was tested with focus on operational parameters such as pH, dosage, concentration, contact time, ionic strength and temperature. Adsorption data were tested with isotherms and kinetics models. Optimum adsorption occurred at pH of 5.5. The presence of competing ion decreased Cu²⁺ removal and this varied with competing ion concentration. Cu²⁺ uptake decreased with increase in temperature. Percentage desorption was found generally low. The Langmuir monolayer adsorption capacity (q_max) was obtained to be 144.93 mg/g, this compared well in effectiveness with other adsorbent previously reported. Dubinin Radushkevich (D-R) isotherm model suggests that adsorption mechanism was chemical in nature. Pseudo second order kinetics best described the adsorption kinetics while multilinear adsorption was observed from the intraparticle diffusion model.

A high-flux P84 polyimide mixed matrix membranes incorporated with cadmium-based metal organic frameworks for enhanced simultaneous dyes removal: Response surface methodology

The water sources contaminated by toxic dyes would pose a serious problem for public health. In view of this, the development of a simple yet effective method for removing dyes from industrial effluent has attracted interest from researchers. In the present work, flat sheet mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) with different physiochemical properties were fabricated by blending P84 polyimide with different concentrations of cadmium-based metal organic frameworks (MOF-2(Cd)). The resultant membranes were then used for simultaneous removal of eosin y (EY), sunset yellow (SY) and methylene blue (MB) under various process conditions. The findings indicated that the membranes could achieve high water permeability (117.8-171.4 L/m².h.bar) and promising rejection for simultaneous dyes removal, recording value of 99.9%, 81.2% and 68.4% for MB, EY and SY, respectively. When 0.2 wt% MOF-2(Cd) was incorporated into the membrane matrix, the membrane separation efficiency was improved by 110.2% and 213.3% for EY and SY removal, respectively when compared with the pristine membrane. In addition, the optimization and modeling of membrane permeate flux and dye rejection was explored using response surface methodology. The actual and model results are in good agreement with R² of at least 0.9983 for dye rejection and permeate flux. The high flux of the developed MMMs coupled with effective separation of dyes suggests a promising prospect of using P84 polyimide MMMs incorporated with MOF-2(Cd) for water purification.

Amino-decorated magnetic metal-organic framework as a potential novel platform for selective removal of chromium (Vl), cadmium (II) and lead (II)

In this work, the -NH₂ functional group via 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS) was selected to anchor onto the pore surface of magnetic metal organic framework using microwave green chemical process. The prepared nanocomposite was investigated for potential and fast removal of cationic Cd(II), Pb(II) as well as anionic Cr(VI) species via batch adsorption. Six kinetics models were applied in order to examine the adsorption mechanisms; the obtained data confirmed that the investigated metal ions followed the pseudo-second order model. The adsorption processes were fitted to the Langmuir model and the maximum adsorption capacities of cadmium (II), lead (II) and chromium (VI) ions were 693.0, 536.22 and 1092.22 mg g^-1. In addition, thermodynamic study confirmed the endothermic and spontaneous adsorption reactions. The nFe₃O₄@MIL-88A(Fe)/APTMS was easily regenerated and the adsorptive removal values were decreased by only 3% after five consecutive recycling processes. The recovery values from tap water, sea water and wastewater were identified as Cd(II) (98.49, 96.22 and 94.73), Pb(II) (96.88, 93.31 and 91.81) and Cr(VI) (99.69, 98.01 and 95.46), respectively.

A microporous zinc–organic framework with Lewis basic pyridyl sites for highly selective C2H2/CH4 and C2H2/CO2 gas separation

A microporous zinc–organic framework with Lewis basic pyridyl sites leads to a material that exhibits excellent C₂H₂/CH₄ and C₂H₂/CO₂ gas separation.

Analysis of Electrocatalytic Metal-Organic Frameworks

The electrochemical analysis of molecular catalysts for the conversion of bulk feedstocks into energy-rich clean fuels has seen dramatic advances in the last decade. More recently, increased attention has focused on the characterization of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) containing well-defined redox and catalytically active sites, with the overall goal to develop structurally stable materials that are industrially relevant for large-scale solar fuel syntheses. Successful electrochemical analysis of such materials draws heavily on well-established homogeneous techniques, yet the nature of solid materials presents additional challenges. In this tutorial-style review, we cover the basics of electrochemical analysis of electroactive MOFs, including considerations of bulk stability, methods of attaching MOFs to electrodes, interpreting fundamental electrochemical data, and finally electrocatalytic kinetic characterization. We conclude with a perspective of some of the prospects and challenges in the field of electrocatalytic MOFs.