The one-step synthesis of a novel metal–organic frameworks for efficient and selective removal of Cr(VI) and Pb(II) from wastewater: Kinetics, thermodynamics and adsorption mechanisms

Abstract

The removal of Cr(VI) and Pb(II) from wastewater is one of the methods to ensure water safety. However, it is still a difficult point to design efficient and selective adsorbent. In this work, Cr(VI) and Pb(II) were removed from water by a new metal–organic frameworks material (MOF-DFSA) with numerous adsorption sites. The max adsorption capacities of MOF-DFSA were 188.12 mg/g for Cr(VI) after 120 min and 349.09 mg/g for Pb(II) within 30 min. MOF-DFSA showed good selectivity and reusability after four cycles. The adsorption of MOF-DFSA was an irreversible process with multi-site coordination, and an active site adsorbed 1.798 Cr (VI) and 0.395 Pb (II). Kinetic fitting showed that the adsorption was chemisorption and surface diffusion was the main limiting step. Thermodynamic showed that Cr(VI) adsorption was enhanced at higher temperatures by spontaneous processes while Pb(II) was weakened. The chelation and electrostatic interaction of the hydroxyl and nitrogen-containing groups of MOF-DFSA with Cr(VI) and Pb(II) is the predominant mechanism, while the reduction of Cr(VI) also play an important role in adsorption. In conclusion, MOF-DFSA was a sorbent that can be used for the removal of Cr(VI) and Pb(II).