Aqueous-phase room-temperature synthesis of 2D CuCo-BDC for superior peroxymonosulfate activation

Bimetallic metal-organic frameworks (BMOFs) have garnered significant attention in environmental remediation. However, their traditional synthesis often demands for high temperatures, pressures, and toxic solvents. Here, we develop a mild and environmentally friendly route in an aqueous phase at room temperature for synthesis of cobalt-doped Cu-BDC MOF (CuCo-BDC, where BDC = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid), using water-soluble disodium salt of terephthalic acid as a linker. Our 2D CuCo-BDC BMOF was evaluated in degradation of naproxen via catalytic peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation. The BMOF achieved a degradation rate approximately 300 times faster than that of Cu-BDC at a low PMS concentration, facilitated by a coupling effect of bimetal redox properties toward PMS activation. This remarkable performance arises from the 2D morphology with highly accessible active sites, mesoporosity with enhanced mass transport, and Cu-Co synergistic effects in PMS activation. This study presents a sustainable BMOF synthesis method and broadens the potential for efficient pollutant degradation, laying the groundwork for broader environmental applications.