Efficient removal of three dyes using porous covalent triazine frameworks: adsorption mechanism and role of pore distribution

Dyes are widely used in production and life. In this study, porous covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) were synthesized and the adsorption behavior for three dyes was investigated by batch adsorption experiments. CTFs were characterized by various spectroscopic techniques for structure, porosity and surface properties. Several possible adsorption mechanisms were proposed including pore-filling, electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonding interaction with the triazine structure of CTFs. The mechanisms were further verified by the pore size distribution and pH dependence. Additionally, CTFDCBP displayed stronger adsorption affinity and faster adsorption kinetics for dyes, because of the wide pore size distribution. This study provides a new insight into the mesoporous CTFs, which exhibit great potential as an effective adsorbent for dye removal.