Magnetically active MOF-based adsorbent for efficient diclofenac sodium adsorption.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Diclofenac sodium (DS) is a persistent pharmaceutical pollutant in wastewater.
• Developing efficient and recoverable adsorbents is crucial for environmental remediation.
• Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) offer tunable structures for adsorption applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a novel magnetically active ZnFe2O4@MIL-53(Al)-NH2 composite.
• To investigate the adsorption performance of the composite for diclofenac sodium (DS).
• To explore the adsorption mechanism and recyclability of the magnetic adsorbent.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles integrated into MIL-53(Al)-NH2 framework.
• Characterization using XRD, FTIR, and magnetic hysteresis loop measurements.
• Systematic investigation of DS adsorption under varying conditions (pH, temperature, time).

Main Results:

• The composite demonstrated excellent magnetic responsiveness for rapid recovery (within 60s).
• Maximum DS adsorption capacity reached 217.85 mg/g, outperforming existing benchmarks.
• Adsorption is spontaneous, endothermic, and driven by electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding, and π-π interactions.

Conclusions:

• The ZnFe2O4@MIL-53(Al)-NH2 composite is a highly effective and recyclable adsorbent for DS removal.
• Its magnetic properties facilitate easy separation and reuse, crucial for practical wastewater treatment.
• This work highlights a promising strategy for designing multifunctional MOF-based adsorbents for environmental remediation.