Efficient separation of vitamins mixture in aqueous solution using a stable zirconium-based metal-organic framework

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Separation Science
• Chemistry

Background:

• Separating niacin (NIA) and nicotinamide (NIC) efficiently remains a significant challenge.
• Vitamins like NIA and NIC are crucial in biological systems and require effective purification methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel material for high-efficiency separation of NIA and NIC in aqueous solutions.
• To investigate the adsorption properties and separation mechanism of the material for these vitamins.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a stable zirconium-based metal-organic framework, DUT-67, for adsorption studies.
• Performed adsorption experiments in aqueous solutions to determine capacities and optimal conditions.
• Analyzed the separation mechanism through various studies, including temperature and concentration effects.

Main Results:

• DUT-67 exhibited high adsorption capacities for NIA (110.2 mg/g) and NIC (11.2 mg/g) at a 1:1 ratio.
• Lower NIA/NIC ratios favored separation, and elevated temperatures enhanced separation while reducing adsorption.
• The DUT-67 material demonstrated excellent regenerability through a straightforward method.

Conclusions:

• DUT-67 is a promising material for the efficient separation of niacin and nicotinamide.
• Electrostatic interactions are identified as the key mechanism governing the separation process.
• The material's stability, regenerability, and effectiveness offer a viable solution for vitamin separation challenges.