ZIF-8-derived magnetic FCZ@C-600 composite for efficient adsorptive removal of unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine from wastewater

Efficient and convenient removal of hazardous unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) remains challenging for ecological security and human health. In this work, ZIF-8-derived magnetic porous carbons (FCZ@Cs) were synthesized via layer-by-layer self-assembly and pyrolysis using chitosan as an external carbon source. The optimal pyrolysis temperature of FCZ@Cs is 600 °C and the maximum adsorption capacity of FCZ@C-600 for UDMH is 185.70 mg/g at 298 K. Moreover, FCZ@C-600 has wide pH adaptability and good resistance to acid, natural organic matter, and interfering ions. UDMH adsorption onto FCZ@C-600 and ZIF-8-600 conforms to pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models. Thermodynamic studies demonstrate that the adsorption performance is endothermic and favorable. Mechanisms investigations further identify electrostatic interactions, diffusion, and hydrogen/coordination bonds as the greatest contributors to UDMH adsorption. Notably, magnetic FCZ@C-600 can be readily separated by a magnet and exhibits high stability with an adsorption capacity of 42.05 mg/g after six cycles. Furthermore, the leaching concentration of Fe and Zn can be as low as 0.3 mg/L and 1.0 mg/L (pH ≥ 4), respectively. UDMH wastewater after adsorption also shows good biosafety. This work provides insights into the development of emerging metal-organic framework-derived adsorbents with multifunctionality and good sustainability for efficient wastewater treatment.