Adsorption of pharmaceutical ibuprofen over functionalized zirconium metal-organic frameworks; Batch experiment and mechanism of interaction

Abstract

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) must be removed from wastewater due to their negative impacts on the environment and human health. In order to effectively eliminate ibuprofen (IBP), we effectively created a unique Zr-MOF-NH2 in this research by combining a zirconium-based metal–organic framework, Zr-MOF, with tryptophane. The produced Zr-MOF-NH2 has outstanding adsorption activity and capability, according to the characterization research by FTIR, XRD, SEM, and XPS. Zr-MOF-NH2 is described as having an amorphous morphology, uniform cubic particles, and high surface area (729.61 m2/g). In order to fully understand the adsorption system's response to contact time, solution pH, temperature, and coexisting ions, the physicochemical properties of the produced adsorbents were extensively studied using batch experimental. The reaction was confirmed to be a chemisorption process whereas the reaction kinetics fit the pseudo-second order, while the adsorption isotherm followed the Langmuir model. Approximately 371 mg/g was the greatest adsorption capacity. Additionally, the adsorption process was endothermic and spontaneous thermodynamically, according to a thermodynamic analysis. The Zr-MOF-NH2 showed improved adsorption efficiencies after five consecutive runs, according to reusability testing, suggesting that it might be used in real-world samples. Furthermore, electrostatic interactions, π-π interactions, pore filling, and hydrogen bonding were identified as the adsorption mechanism for the contaminants.