Removal of environmental contaminants of emerging concern using metal–organic framework composite

Abstract

This study investigated adsorption characteristics of pharmaceutical pollutants using CuBTC@NH 2 composite. The post synthetic modification of CuBTC@NH 2 substantially improved the physicochemical characteristics of the MOF, which led to difference in the adsorption behavior​ of the pharmaceutical pollutants such as ibuprofen (IBF) and acetaminophen (ACE) from aqueous solutions. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and BET measurements were used to characterize the CuBTC@NH 2 composite. The adsorption processes were evaluated in batch experiments, in order to monitor the pharmaceutical pollutants adsorption capacity by the CuBTC@NH 2 composite. The adsorption process follows Langmuir isotherm model and kinetic model well fitted to pseudo-second order kinetic. It is clear that chemisorption played a major role in the CuBTC@NH 2 composites elimination of pharmaceutical contaminants. The adsorption of the pharmaceutical pollutants strongly dependent on the pH of the solution due to the electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. Ibuprofen (IBF) and acetaminophen (ACE) had overall adsorption capacities of 187.97 mg/g and 125.45 mg/g, respectively. Ultimately, the results obtained demonstrated the potential of the CuMOF@NH 2 composite to remove pharmaceutical pollutants from toxic waste water. • Nanocomposites based on MOF and amine were synthesized. • CuBTC@NH 2 nanocomposite were characterized by the employment of FESEM, FTIR, and PXRD. • IBF and ACE were fully removed at a lower concentration of 50 mg/L after 300 min, showing 96% degradation. • CuBTC@NH 2 nanocomposite was tested for the removal of ibuprofen and paracetamol.