In situ large-scale construction of sulfur-functionalized metal-organic framework and its efficient removal of Hg(II) from water

A new strategy that uses sulfur-functionalized metal organic frameworks (MOFs) for removal of Hg(II) from water has been developed. This strategy is based around a novel sulfur-functionalized MOF FJI-H12, which is composed of octahedral M6L4 cages and free NCS- groups. At the same time, large-scale synthesis of FJI-H12 microcrystals has also been carried out under very mild conditions. The resulting material can remove Hg(II) completely and selectively from water with high saturation, adsorption (439.8 mg g(-1)) and distribution coefficient (1.85 x 10(6) mL g(-1)) relative to other MOFs. More interestingly, a continuous and fast removal of Hg(II) from water has also been carried out using a column loaded with FJI-H12 microcrystals.