Work

UiO-67 metal-organic framework loaded on hardwood biochar for sustainable management of environmental boron contaminations

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Boron contamination in water poses significant potential risks to human health and the environment, necessitating the development of efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable remediation technologies. This study introduces a novel composite material combining a zirconium-based metal-organic framework (UiO-67) and a low-cost carbonaceous material (hardwood biochar, BC) with synergetic efficiency to address boron-polluted waters. The UiO-67-biochar (UBC) composite exhibits effective surface chemistry and a remarkably high specific surface area of approximately 881.9 m²/g, substantially increasing from the 19.7 m²/g of biochar. Our experimental results demonstrate that UBC removed up to 88.5 % of boron from 20 ppm polluted water, achieving levels compliant with the WHO standards. The composite also showed excellent reusability, maintaining 95 % efficiency over multiple cycles without loss of crystallinity. Life cycle assessment and cost analysis indicate that an optimal MOF to biochar ratio of approximately 60 wt% minimises CO 2 emissions and costs while maximising the boron removal efficiency. The UiO-67-biochar composites proposed here offers a promising scalable solution for boron contamination and potentially other environmental pollutants, combining the high functionality of UiO-67 with the practical and economic advantages of biochar. • Synthesised UBC composites showed strongly improved morphology and surface functionality. • UBC2 with optimum mass ratio of MOF effectively adsorbed boron from water to a safe level. • Electrostatic attractions, coordination bonds, π-π stacking, and hydrogen bonding are main adsorption mechanisms. • Reusability and stability of UBC via regeneration tests indicated promising prospect.

Source: Journal of environmental chemical engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2024.114511

Authors: Samaneh Ghaedi, Hamid Rajabi, Mojgan Hadi Mosleh, Peyman Babakhani, Majid Sedighi

Institutions: University of Manchester, University of Liverpool

Language: English

Topic: Adsorption and biosorption for pollutant removal

Subfield: Water Science and Technology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,250