Synthesis of Carbon-Zirconium-based Metal Organic Framework Hybrid Sorbent for Anionic and Cationic Heavy Metal Removal
Adsorption using highly porous and highly functionalized sorbents is a straightforward removal technology currently being employed, however the range of contaminants is limited. A novel sorbent was synthesized from activated carbon and Zr-based UiO66 metal organic framework to remove both cationic and oxyanionic metals from aqueous solutions. The composite was characterized using FSEM-EDS, FT-IR, XRD, and TGA, and showed successful integration of UiO66 on the surface of activated carbon. Batch adsorption tests with ICP-OES reveal that the composite has removal efficiency >95% for Pb (II), Cu (II), Se (IV), and As (V). The hybrid material is a promising sorbent for the removal of both cationic and oxyanionic metals for wastewater purification.