UiO-67 metal-organic framework loaded on hardwood biochar for sustainable management of environmental boron contaminations

• Published in: Journal of environmental chemical engineering 2024-12, Vol.12 (6), p.114511, Article 114511
• Main Authors: Ghaedi, Samaneh, Rajabi, Hamid, Hadi Mosleh, Mojgan, Babakhani, Peyman, Sedighi, Majid
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adsorption; Biochar; Boron contamination; Composites; Metal-organic frameworks
• ISSN: 2213-3437
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2024.114511

Boron contamination in water poses significant potential risks to human health and the environment, necessitating the development of efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable remediation technologies. This study introduces a novel composite material combining a zirconium-based metal-organic framework (UiO-67) and a low-cost carbonaceous material (hardwood biochar, BC) with synergetic efficiency to address boron-polluted waters. The UiO-67-biochar (UBC) composite exhibits effective surface chemistry and a remarkably high specific surface area of approximately 881.9 m²/g, substantially increasing from the 19.7 m²/g of biochar. Our experimental results demonstrate that UBC removed up to 88.5 % of boron from 20 ppm polluted water, achieving levels compliant with the WHO standards. The composite also showed excellent reusability, maintaining 95 % efficiency over multiple cycles without loss of crystallinity. Life cycle assessment and cost analysis indicate that an optimal MOF to biochar ratio of approximately 60 wt% minimises CO2 emissions and costs while maximising the boron removal efficiency. The UiO-67-biochar composites proposed here offers a promising scalable solution for boron contamination and potentially other environmental pollutants, combining the high functionality of UiO-67 with the practical and economic advantages of biochar. [Display omitted] •Synthesised UBC composites showed strongly improved morphology and surface functionality.•UBC2 with optimum mass ratio of MOF effectively adsorbed boron from water to a safe level.•Electrostatic attractions, coordination bonds, π-π stacking, and hydrogen bonding are main adsorption mechanisms.•Reusability and stability of UBC via regeneration tests indicated promising prospect.