NH 2 ‐MIL‐101(Al) and Its Kaolin Composite for the Adsorptive Removal of NSAIDs From Water

ABSTRACT The extensive use of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has led to their uncontrolled release into aquatic environments, posing increasing risks to human health and ecosystems. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising adsorbents for the removal of such emerging contaminants from water. In this study, the adsorption performance of NH 2 ‐MIL‐101(Al) was systematically investigated for the removal of five NSAIDs—diclofenac, mefenamic acid, naproxen, ibuprofen, and bufexamac—from aqueous solutions. The effects of key operational parameters, including initial concentration, solution pH, temperature, adsorbent dosage, and contact time, were optimized. Maximum removal efficiencies of approximately 100%, 92.65%, and 62.58% were obtained for mefenamic acid, diclofenac, and naproxen, respectively, at pH 6, while ibuprofen and bufexamac exhibited optimal adsorption at pH 5 and pH 8. A kaolin‐supported NH 2 ‐MIL‐101(Al) composite was synthesized and characterized using FT‐IR, XRD, UV–visible spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and FE‐SEM, confirming successful incorporation, uniform dispersion within the kaolin matrix, and good thermal stability up to 450°C. The composite achieved nearly complete removal of mefenamic acid (10 ppm, 50 mL) within 10 min, demonstrating significantly higher adsorption efficiency than pristine kaolin. These findings highlight the strong potential of NH 2 ‐MIL‐101(Al)‐based composites for efficient water purification.