Efficient Binary Solution Adsorption Using Polyurethane Foam Composites Integrated with Zr-MOF and Milled Activated...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Wastewater contamination by heavy metals like hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) and dyes such as Congo red (CR) presents significant environmental challenges.
• Effective removal strategies are crucial for mitigating the ecological impact of industrial effluents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multifunctional composite material for the simultaneous removal of Cr(VI) and CR from aqueous solutions.
• To investigate the synthesis, characterization, and adsorption performance of the novel composite.

Main Methods:

• A composite material was synthesized by coating polyurethane foam (PUF) with milled activated carbon (mAC) and a zirconium-based metal-organic framework (Zr-MOF) using a hydrothermal method.
• Characterization was performed using SEM, XRD, and FTIR to confirm composite structure and morphology.
• Adsorption experiments were conducted to determine optimal conditions and evaluate removal efficiency, thermodynamics, kinetics, and reusability.

Main Results:

• The synthesized Zr-MOF/mAC/PUF composite exhibited enhanced surface roughness and porous morphology.
• Optimal conditions for near 100% removal of both Cr(VI) and CR were identified as 25 °C, pH 9, and 150 rpm for 24 hours.
• Thermodynamic and kinetic analyses indicated spontaneous, endothermic physicochemical adsorption with pseudo-second-order kinetics, driven by electrostatic attraction and diffusion.
• The composite demonstrated good reusability, with only a minor decrease in adsorption capacity after six cycles.

Conclusions:

• The developed Zr-MOF/mAC/PUF composite is a promising material for the simultaneous and efficient removal of heavy metals and dyes from wastewater.
• The study elucidates the adsorption mechanism, highlighting its potential for environmental remediation applications.
• The material's stability and reusability suggest its viability for practical wastewater treatment processes.