High-performance Fe-doped ZIF-8 adsorbent for capturing tetracycline from aqueous solution

Efficient removal of antibiotics from aqueous solution is of fundamental importance due to the increasingly severe antibiotic-related pollution. Herein, a high-performance Fe-ZIF-8-500 adsorbent was synthesized by Fedoping strategy and subsequent activation with high-temperature. In order to evaluate the feasibility of FeZIF-8-500 as an adsorbent for tetracycline (TC) removal, the adsorption properties of Fe-ZIF-8-500 were systematically explored. The results showed that the Fe-ZIF-8-500 exhibited ultrahigh adsorption capacity for TC with a record-high value of 867 mg g-1. Additionally, the adsorption kinetics and isotherms for TC onto the FeZIF-8-500 can be well-fitted by the pseudo-second-order kinetics model and the Freundlich model, respectively. The ultrahigh adsorption capacity of Fe-ZIF-8-500 can be explained by the synergistic effect of multi-affinities, i. e., surface complexation, electrostatic attraction, 7C-7C interaction and hydrogen bonding. After being used for four cycles the adsorption capacity of Fe-ZIF-8-500 remains a high level, demonstrating its outstanding reusability. The ultrahigh adsorption capacity, excellent reusability, satisfactory water stability and easy-preparation nature of Fe-ZIF-8-500 highlight its bright prospect for removing tetracycline pollutant from wastewater.

Automated summary

Fe-ZIF-8-500, synthesized through Fe-doping strategy with high-temperature activation, demonstrates ultrahigh adsorption capacity for tetracycline removal. Its outstanding reusability, water stability, and ease of preparation highlight its bright prospect for removing tetracycline pollutants from wastewater.