‘‘Biopolymer-PAA and surfactant-CTAB assistant solvothermal synthesis of Zn-based MOFs: design, characterization for removal of toxic dyes, copper and their biological activities”

Abstract

Zn-BTC(1) and its polymeric composites Zn-BTC@PAA(2) and Zn-BTC@PAA@CTAB)(3) MOFs are synthesized using Zinc acetate; BTC (Benzene tri-carboxylic acid); PAA (Polyacrylic acid); and CTAB (Cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide)by in situ solvothermal method. FT-IR spectra of 1 reflected in 2, and 3 suggesting the presence of Zn-BTC in polymer composites. PXRD patterns of 1–3 MOFs are analogous, indicating that the Zn-BTC phase is consistent in polymer composites. While SEM-EDX studies confirm the morphology, elemental composition and presence of Zn in all MOFs. Thermal analysis of 1–3 shows polymer composites are more thermal stable than 1. MOF 3 composite shows potential dye adsorption towards cationic (MB) and anionic dyes (MO, CR) compared to 1 and 2. It also removes copper metal ions up to 95% within 120 mins, following second order kinetic absorption studies favours chemical adsorption. All zinc polymeric composite MOFs exhibit good antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, E.coli, and antifungal activity against Saccharomyces cerevisiae due additional carboxylate and cationic function groups in composites.