Highly selective methanol adsorption from dilute aqueous solutions using Mn₃[Fe(CN)₆]₂: a Prussian blue analog

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Chemistry
• Adsorption Science

Background:

• Methanol contamination in water poses environmental and health risks.
• Conventional adsorbents like activated carbons and zeolites have limitations in methanol removal efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the adsorption properties of Manganese hexacyanoferrate (MnHCF) for selective methanol removal from aqueous solutions.
• To evaluate the performance of MnHCF as a potential adsorbent for treating methanol-contaminated wastewater.

Main Methods:

• Selective adsorption experiments were conducted using MnHCF.
• Distribution coefficients and adsorption capacities were determined.
• Performance was compared against activated carbons and zeolites.

Main Results:

• MnHCF demonstrated selective methanol adsorption from water with a distribution coefficient of 11 mL g⁻¹.
• This coefficient is 3-11 times higher than that of activated carbons and zeolites.
• The adsorption capacity reached 0.36 mmol g⁻¹, enabling the removal of 1000 mg MeOH per L.

Conclusions:

• MnHCF exhibits excellent selectivity and capacity for methanol adsorption.
• MnHCF is a promising material for the effective treatment of methanol-contaminated wastewater.