Facile synthesis of a Co/Fe bi-MOFs/CNF membrane nanocomposite and its application in the degradation of tetrabromobisphenol A

In this study, a sulfate radical-advanced oxidation process (SR-AOP) was proposed by utilizing a bimetallic Co/Fe metal-organic frameworks/cellulose nanofiber membrane (Co/Fe bi-MOFs/CNF) as a catalyst for TBBPA degradation. Sulfate radicals (SO4–) and hydroxyl radicals (OH·) were generated through the activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) by Co/Fe bi-MOFs/CNF. Co/Fe bi-MOFs/CNF was prepared by a facile solvothermal method and vacuum filtration. CNF acted as a natural substrates material to relieve the agglomeration of loaded MOFs. Additionally the composite membranes was easily separated from the reaction solution. The properties of the composite materials and the main factors that influenced TBBPA degradation were elucidated in detail, along with the TBBPA degradation intermediates, recyclability, and TBBPA degradation pathway. Almost 100 % of TBBPA was degraded within 30 min under optimal conditions, and the rate constant was determined to be 0.764 min−1. Furthermore, the degradation rate of the composite membrane was 60 % after 4 cycles.