MIL-101(Fe)@ceramic-monolith for arsenic removal in aqueous solutions

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Arsenic contamination in water poses a significant global health risk.
• Developing efficient and cost-effective adsorbents is crucial for arsenic removal.
• Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and natural clays show potential for water remediation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a novel hybrid material integrating MIL-101(Fe) MOF with a natural clay ceramic monolith (NCCM).
• To evaluate the arsenic(V) adsorption performance of the hybrid material from aqueous solutions.
• To investigate the adsorption mechanisms and theoretical capacities for arsenic removal.

Main Methods:

• In-situ hydrothermal synthesis of the MIL-101(Fe)/NCCM hybrid material.
• Comprehensive characterization using PXRD, TGA, FTIR, XPS, SEM, and gas adsorption techniques.
• Batch adsorption experiments to determine As(V) adsorption capacity, kinetics, and equilibrium.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis of the MIL-101(Fe)/NCCM hybrid material was confirmed by various characterization techniques.
• The hybrid material exhibited high As(V) adsorption capacities of up to 268 mg g⁻¹.
• Adsorption mechanisms were elucidated, and DFT calculations explored theoretical capacities for arsenic species.

Conclusions:

• The MIL-101(Fe)/NCCM hybrid material is a highly effective adsorbent for As(V) removal.
• The synergistic combination of MOF and clay enhances adsorption performance.
• This material holds significant potential for practical applications in arsenic-contaminated water treatment.