Design an‎d Preparation of Polymeric Monoliths Containing Iron-Based Nanostructured Metal–Organic Frameworks for the Photocatalytic Removal of Environmental Pollutants.

12/20/2026 12:00:00 AM

This study focuses on the synthesis an‎d application of polymeric monoliths containing nanostructured metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) based on iron, particularly Fe-BTC, for the removal of environmental pollutants. Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), as a toxic an‎d persistent pollutant, poses a serious threat to human health an‎d the environment. Photocatalytic processes using visible light an‎d photoactive materials offer a novel an‎d cost-effective approach for reducing such pollutants to less hazardous compounds, such as trivalent chromium (Cr(III)). The porous structure, high surface area, an‎d visible-light absorption capability make MOFs a suitable choice in this context. However, the use of MOFs in powder form is associated with challenges such as difficult separation, particle aggregation, an‎d reduced active surface area. In this study, chitosan polymeric monoliths were employed as a support to overcome these challenges. Chitosan, due to its biocompatibility, amino an‎d hydroxyl functional groups, an‎d strong interactions with metal ions, provides ideal conditions for the stabilization an‎d uniform dispersion of Fe-BTC nanoparticles. The synthesis was carried out in situ by introducing iron ions into the monolith structure an‎d adding the organic linker BTC, an‎d the reaction conditions were optimized. In the performance eva‎luation stage, the photocatalytic efficiency of the monoliths for Cr(VI) reduction under visible light irradiation was examined, an‎d the effects of factors such as pH, light intensity, an‎d catalyst concentration were studied. Experiments included 30 minutes in the dark to establish adsorption equilibrium, followed by 30 minutes of visible light irradiation at 50 W. Results indicated that Fe-BTC@Chitosan polymeric monoliths, with a three-dimensional porous structure, high internal surface area, an‎d recyclability, are capable of achieving significant Cr(VI) removal efficiency. In the presence of PMS, the process efficiency increased to nearly 100%. This high performance demonstrates their potential for sustainable an‎d efficient treatment of industrial wastewater, representing a valuable alternative to conventional water treatment methods.

چارچوب‌هاي فلز-آلي , مونوليت , كاتاليزگري نوري , فلز آهن , نانوساختار

Metal–organic frameworks , monolith , photocatalysis , iron , nanostructure

Pardis Malekmohamadi

Dr Vahid Safarifard