Work

Novel transmetalated Zr-MOFs for tailoring porosity and mixed-valence nodes: Efficient removal of hazardous UV filters from wastewater

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: A novel mixed-valence MOF, designated as NiMOF-808, was synthesized via partial post-synthetic transmetalation of Zr4+ in MOF-808 and characterized by PXRD, XPS, TGA, SEM, BET, and Zetapotential (ζ) analyses. The new framework exhibits a significantly higher adsorption capacity (445 mg/g(±11)) for polar UV filters than activated carbon and UiO-66, attributed to its large surface area and mixed-valence nodes. PXRD and XPS confirmed successful nickel incorporation at the node level, with three Ni species detected. Quantitative XPS showed that Ni species replaced 1.15 of the six Zr4+ atoms per node. TGA revealed high thermal stability with decomposition at 475 °C. BET analysis revealed about 30% increase in surface area (1,435 to 1,850m2/g) with a larger pore diameter of 23Å compared to the parent MOF. Zetapotential measurements showed a reduction from ζ= +30mV to ζ = +4mV following Ni incorporation, accompanied by a 1.06 pH-unit shift in PZC, indicative of a lower net positive surface charge. Comparative transmetalation of UiO-67 and UiO-66 resulted in lower or no Ni incorporation, respectively. Adsorption studies targeting ethyl cinnamate and benzophenone, representatives of ordinary UV filters, were conducted, with variable screening using a Plackett–Burman design and process optimization via the RSM method. NiMOF-808 achieved up to 98.06(±2.8)% removal at 0.005 g/L concentration using 1g/L adsorbent and maintained efficiency over five reuse cycles. Different sourced wastewater effluents resulted in 88.32(± 5.1)% and ~99(± 3.0)% removal of UV filters by NiMOF-808, suggesting the method’s practical applicability. Kinetic and isotherm modelling showed pseudo-first-order kinetics and Langmuir behaviour.

Source: Chemical Engineering Journal

DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2025.172292

Authors: S. Fatemeh Nouroozi, Hossein Kazemian

Institution: University of Northern British Columbia

Language: English

Topic: Metal-Organic Frameworks: Synthesis and Applications

Subfield: Inorganic Chemistry

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,830