Highly efficient and rapid removal of arsenic(iii) from aqueous solutions by nanoscale zero-valent iron supported on a zirconium 1,4-dicarboxybenzene metal-organic framework (UiO-66 MOF)

A zirconium 1,4-dicarboxybenzene metal–organic framework (UiO-66 MOF) was successfully used as a template to enhance the distribution and activity of nanoscale zero-valent iron (NZVI). MOF-NZVI showed good anti-interference ability to co-existing ions (Ca²⁺, Mn²⁺, Cu²⁺, H₂PO₄⁻ and SO₄²⁻) and organic acids (oxalic acid and citric acid). SEM and TEM analyses indicated that the MOF as a support efficiently prevent NZVI from aggregation for quick and effective removal of As(III). Through the non-linear least-squares (NLLS) adjustment, As(III) removal by MOF-NZVI could be well fitted by pseudo first and second order reaction kinetics, as well as the Freundlich isotherm. FTIR, XRD and XPS results verified that NZVI and iron oxyhydroxides (Fe₃O₄, γ-Fe₂O₃, γ-FeOOH and α-FeOOH) might be responsible for the effective removal of As(III) and its oxidized product As(V) with an adsorption capacity of 360.6 mg As per g NZVI through chemical oxidation and physical adsorption. This work indicates that MOF-NZVI with good reusability and high efficiency is promising for application in As(III)-polluted wastewater treatment.