Manufacture of mirco-meso-macroporous ACNF/PANI/MIL-101(Cr)-NH2 composites with exceptional adsorption phenomenon for indomethacin

Exploiting advanced adsorbents for the elimination of the alarming level of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) pollution has sparked extensive research attention. Herein, taking acid-treated carbon nanofiber (ACNF) as composite skeleton, a unique ACNF/polyaniline/MIL-101(Cr)-NH2 (ACNF/PANI/MIL-101(Cr)-NH2) with robust 3D-supporting framework and tertiary pore structure was synthesized to remove indomethacin (IDM). Considering the large BET surface area (SBET), wide pore size distribution, highly-exposed active sites and affluent functional groups, ACNF/PANI/MIL-101(Cr)-NH2 depicted a standout adsorption capacity of 400.1 mg/ g for IDM, which was far superior to most reported adsorbents. Moreover, ACNF/PANI/MIL-101(Cr)-NH2 acquired rapid adsorption kinetics, wonderful reusability and stability. Ulteriorly, inspired by the electrode fabrication craft, one easy-to-recyclable ACNF/PANI/MIL-101(Cr)-NH2 taking graphite felt (GF) as carrier was manufactured and achieved superior adsorption capacity as well as satisfactory reusability. The adsorption mechanism was appraised via Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The experimental data disclosed that the superior adsorption capability mainly depended on the electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bonding and & pi;-& pi; interaction. Overall, this work sheds light on one feasible strategy to develop advanced adsorbents in practical wastewater treatment.

Automated summary

This study developed a new type of adsorbent ACNF/PANI/MIL-101(Cr)-NH2, which can efficiently remove the pollution of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (IDM) with its high adsorption capacity and superior adsorption performance. The experimental results showed that the adsorption mechanism of the adsorbent was mainly related to electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bonding, and π-π interaction. This work provides a feasible strategy for developing advanced adsorbents in practical wastewater treatment.