Abstract
This study presents a facile preparation and durable amorphous Fe and Al-based MOF nanoplate (AlFe-BTC MOFs) catalyst with notable stability in Fenton reactions. Rigorous characterization using XRD, HR-TEM, and BET confirms the amorphous nature of the synthesized AlFe-BTC MOFs, revealing mesopores (3.4 nm diameter), a substantial surface area (232 m2/g), and a pore volume of 0.69 cc/g. XPS analysis delineates distinct Al2p and Fe2p binding energy values, signifying specific chemical bonding. FE-SEM elemental mapping elucidates the distinctive distribution of Fe and Al within the framework of AlFe-BTC MOFs. In catalytic activity testing, the amorphous AlFe-BTC MOFs exhibited outstanding performance, achieving complete degradation of Methylene blue (MB) dye and 78% TOC removal over 45 min of treatment under mild reaction conditions. The catalyst's durability was assessed, revealing about 75% TOC removal and complete dye decomposition over five successive recycles, with less than 1 mg/L of Fe and Al leaching. UV–Vis spectra revealed the destruction of MB dye over multiple recycling studies. Based on this finding, the amorphous AlFe-BTC MOF nanoplates emerge as a promising solution for efficient dye removal from industrial wastewater, underscoring their potential in advanced environmental remediation processes.
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Acknowledgements
The author is grateful for the financial support and research facility from Saveetha University, Chennai, India. T. K. thanks Chulalongkorn University Academic Advancement for the Graduate School Postdoctoral Fellowship (GS) under the Ratchadapisek Somphot Fund.
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K. Thirumoorthy conceptualized the study, designed the methodology, analyzed data, and contributed to manuscript writing. Akshaya S.R conducted experimental work, collected data, and contributed to manuscript writing and editing. Kirankumar V.S synthesized and characterized amorphous Al/Fe MOFs, offering insights into experimental design. Melvin S. Samuel performed laboratory work and validated data. Mohanraj K supervised experimental procedures and provided expertise in Fenton Redress reactions. Soorathep Kheawhom and Hans-Uwe Dahms, an expert in MOFs and catalysis, contributed insights and critically reviewed the manuscript. Aswin Kumar Anbalagan interpreted data and contributed to manuscript drafting and review. Mohan Gopalakrishnan analyzed catalytic proficiency data and contributed to result discussions. Sivarasan Ganesan supervised the project, reviewed and edited the manuscript, and acquired funding.
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Kulandaivel, T., Subhramaniyan Rasappan, A., Venkatesan Savunthari, K. et al. Facile fabrication of amorphous Al/Fe based metal–organic framework as effective heterogeneous fenton catalyst for environmental remediation. Environ Geochem Health 46, 156 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-024-01940-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-024-01940-5