Construction of ligand functionalized MIL-101(Fe)-R and mechanism of efficient removal of chlortetracycline hydrochloride: Experiment and DFT calculation

Abstract

Functionalization of ligands is an effective strategy to enhance the adsorption performance of adsorbents. In this study, MIL-101(Fe)-R (R = -H, –OH, –NH2, and –NO2) was selected as a platform for systematically studying the impact of functionalization on the adsorption behavior of chlortetracycline (CTC). A series of characterizations were conducted on the prepared MIL-101(Fe)-R to clarify the influence of organic linkers on the microscopic morphology, pore structure, and surface functionality of the adsorbents. Additionally, the effects of different functional groups on the adsorption behavior of MIL-101(Fe)-R were compared to screen for MOFs with high efficiency in removing CTC. Experimental results showed that the maximum adsorption capacities (qm) of MIL-101(Fe), MIL-101(Fe)–NH2, MIL-101(Fe)–OH, and MIL-101(Fe)–NO2 were 418.980 mg/g, 559.854 mg/g, 187.387 mg/g, and 154.131 mg/g, respectively. Among them, MIL-101(Fe)–NH2 exhibited a higher mass transfer rate (reaching equilibrium in 15 min). Based on apparent adsorption behavior, adsorption kinetics, isotherm and thermodynamic studies, as well as FTIR and XPS characterizations before and after adsorption, the performance modulation mechanism of MIL-101(Fe)-R in CTC adsorption was discussed in detail. Combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations, the host–guest interaction controlling the adsorption behavior was understood at the molecular level, demonstrating the optimal binding sites of the adsorbents. This study provides guidance for the design of efficient MOF adsorbents for antibiotic wastewater treatment.