Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026
Green Synthesis, Characterization, Encapsulation, and Measurement of the Release Potential of Novel Alkali Lignin Micro-/Submicron Particles
Published on: March 1, 2024
Lignin-Based Cationic Hydrogels Incorporating MIL-100(Fe) for Combined Adsorption and Photo-Fenton Degradation of
Simone Ranieri1, Paola Astolfi1, Marco Parlapiano1
1Department of Science and Engineering of Materials, Environment and Urban Planning, Marche Polytechnic University, via Brecce Bianche 12, Ancona 60131, Italy.
Abstract:
The occurrence of persistent pharmaceutical residues, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), in aquatic environments requires treatment strategies that combine high removal efficiency with operational practicality. Herein, a hybrid lignin-based cationic hydrogel incorporating the iron-based metal-organic framework MIL-100-(Fe) (LS-pAAm-DAC/MIL-100-(Fe)) is reported as a multifunctional material for the integrated adsorption and heterogeneous photo-Fenton degradation of naproxen sodium (NPX-Na) in water. The composite is synthesized via in situ radical polymerization, leading to the uniform immobilization of crystalline MIL-100-(Fe) within a sustainable, lignin-derived polymer network. Structural and morphological analyses (XRD, ATR-FTIR, SEM/EDS) confirm the preservation of the MOF structure and its homogeneous dispersion throughout the hydrogel matrix. The composite exhibits rapid NPX-Na uptake and enhanced adsorption capacity (39 mg/g) compared with the pristine hydrogel, attributable to combined electrostatic interactions in the cationic network and additional adsorption sites on MIL-100-(Fe). Under UVA irradiation in the presence of H2O2, the material promotes complete NPX-Na degradation via a heterogeneous photo-Fenton process, with HPLC/MS evidence of progressive transformation into oxidized phthalic acid-type by-products. Importantly, ICP-OES analysis reveals no detectable iron leaching, demonstrating robust immobilization of MIL-100-(Fe) and operational stability. The composite retains substantial adsorption performance over multiple regeneration cycles, highlighting its reusability. Overall, LS-pAAm-DAC/MIL-100-(Fe) represents a recoverable and sustainable platform that integrates capture and oxidative degradation of anionic pharmaceuticals, offering promising prospects for advanced water treatment applications.
