Feasibility of NH₂-MIL-125 as an adsorbent for the removal of organic pollutant in water

• Main Authors: Liew, Aaron Shun Yao, Teo, Szea Err, Sing Yew Nguang, Nur Syafiqah Rizalman, Norini Tahir, Suzanna Rosli Wong, Pak, Yan Moh
• Format: Article
• Language: English; English
• Published: e-VIBS, Faculty of Science and Natural Resources 2020
• Subjects: GB3-5030 Physical geography; TD429.5-480.7 Water purification. Water treatment and conditioning. Saline water conversion
• Online Access: https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/40959/5/ABSTRACT.pdf; https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/40959/2/FULL%20TEXT.pdf; https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/40959/

Titanium-based benzenedicarboxylate metal-organic framework (MIL-125) is a nanoporous material that exhibits high surface area and unique pore architecture. The stability of MIL-125 in water, however, is the major drawback that limits the application of this material in aqueous condition. This study reports the water stability of amino-functionalized MIL-125 (as NH2-MIL-125), as well as its adsorption capability towards cationic methylene blue (MB) in comparison to that of MIL-125. Both MIL-125 and NH2-MIL-125 compound were prepared by reflux method followed by activation through conventional solvent-exchange technique. Framework of the as-synthesized of MIL-125 and NH2-MIL-125 was confirmed by powder X-Ray diffraction whilst the amino-functional group was confirmed through FTIR spectroscopy. The C-N stretching vibration peak found at 1256 cm-1 was the characteristic feature for the NH2-MIL-125 compound. Morphology of the as-synthesized MIL-125 and NH2-MIL-125 realized by the scanning electron microscopy as circular-plate shape with the crystal size ranges between 0.5 to 1 μm. The obtained results showed that NH2-MIL-125 had better water stability that exceeded 24 hours in comparison to MIL-125 which disintegrated in water in less than 1 hour. Furthermore, preliminary adsorption result revealed that NH2-MIL-125 was able to adsorb 90% of MB in water (with 360.60 mg.g-1 of the calculated adsorption capacity towards MB) whilst only 68% of MB was adsorbed by MIL-125 (with 272.58 mg.g-1 of the calculated adsorption capacity towards MB) within 4 hours of reaction time. This study implies that NH2- MIL-125 material can be a potential adsorbent for the removal of cationic organic pollutants in water.