Large-Scale Synthesis of Biomass@MOF-Derived Porous Carbon/Cobalt Nanofiber for Environmental Remediation by Advanced Oxidation Processes

Metal-organic framework (MOF) derived carbonbased nanocatalysts have received great attention in environmental remediation application. However, the aggregation and poor separation characteristics are the main obstacles in practical application. Herein, biomass (cotton) of cheap cost and easy availability has been selected as an ideal support for MOFs (ZIF-67). The catalyst precursor Cot@ZIF-67 is obtained by the coordination of Co ions with hydroxyl groups (from cotton) and nitrogen (from 2-methylimidazole). To present the catalytic ability of Cot@ZIF-67 derived carbon/Co materials (CC@CNCo), bisphenol A (BPA) as the targeted pollutant is selected. The results indicate that almost 100% of BPA can be removed by catalyst CC@CNCo within 5 min. Based on quenching experiments, fluorescence detection, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis, a sulfate-radical-dominated radical mechanism is proposed. This work is expected to attract greater attention to biomass/MOF derived materials for environmental remediation.

Automated summary

In this study, a highly efficient carbon-based nanocatalyst CC@CNCo was successfully prepared using cotton as an ideal support for MOFs, and used for the removal of pollutants such as bisphenol A. The results showed that the catalyst could remove nearly 100% of BPA within 5 minutes, indicating great potential for environmental remediation.