Gold Extracted from Wastewater as an Efficient MOF-Supported Electrocatalyst

The recovery of gold from wastewater is necessary from both environmental and economic standpoints. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can serve as high-capacity and selective adsorbents, as shown in a recent work by Zhao and co-workers. Their novel three-dimension cationic framework goes further than selectively adsorbing AuCl4-. It also serves as a stable platform to transform adsorbed gold into an efficient catalyst for the electrochemical reduction of CO2. This work highlights the versatility of MOFs, which can serve as selective adsorbents and as a support for nanoparticle catalysts.

Automated summary

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can be used as high-capacity and selective adsorbents, and can also serve as a stable platform for transforming adsorbed gold into an efficient catalyst for CO2 electrochemical reduction.