High performance HKUST-1@PVA-co-PE/PVA hybrid hydrogel with enhanced selective adsorption

The immobilization of metal organic frames (MOFs), HKUST-1, on a hydrogel reinforced with PVA-co-PE nanofiber to realize both high adsorption capability and easy handling was reported. The shape and size of HKUST1, synthesized by the hydrothermal method, could be well controlled by changing the reaction temperature, ratio of organic ligands and metal ions, as well as the time. The PVA-co-PE/PVA nanofiber hybrid hydrogel loaded with HKUST-1 was used to adsorb various types of dyes. The decoloration ability to cationic dyes was better than that of anionic dyes, reaching up to 96.1%. Moreover, the adsorption kinetics and thermodynamics of the HKUST-1 and hybrid hydrogel to a cationic dye, methylene blue (MB), were studied. The HKUST-1 and hybrid hydrogel showed similar adsorption ability to MB when the concentration was 100 mg/L and pH value was 2. The results showed that HKUST-1@PVA-co-PE/PVA nanofiber hybrid hydrogel demonstrating promising potential for adsorbing cationic dyes.