Persistent Pesticide Photodegradation by NU-1000/Polymer Hybrids

Persistent organophosphate pesticides extensively used in agriculture present substantial risks to the environment and human health. In this report, we evaluate the impact of incorporating organic polymers bearing basic groups, namely, poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), within the porous framework of NU-1000 ([Zr6(μ3-O)4(μ3-OH)4(OH)4(H2O)4(TBAPy)2], TBAPy = 1,3,6,8-tetrakis(p-benzoate)pyrene) on the photodegradation of the persistent pesticide fenamiphos (Fen) through a sequential oxidative-hydrolytic pathway. NU-1000 efficiently photooxidizes Fen to the still toxic fenamiphos sulfoxide (FSO). However, the further conversion into nontoxic hydrolytic products is moderate, and it is limited to basic conditions. By contrast, the hybrid materials preserve the photooxidation efficiency of pristine NU-1000 while exhibiting enhanced structural stability and improved hydrolytic activity, enabling effective Fen hydrolytic degradation even under mildly acidic conditions.