A novel iron metal organic framework-based nanocomposite for the synergistic degradation and adsorption of organic pollutants and Cr (Ⅵ) under visible light

In this work, a novel nitrogenous Fe-TPPE metal-organic-framework (MOF) with excellent visible light catalytic activity was successfully prepared, and a magnetic composite (Fe3O4@Fe-TPPE) with Z-type heterojunction structure was designed to synergistically treat organic pollutants and Cr(Ⅵ). The materials were carefully characterized by powder X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared analysis, UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectra, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, etc. The characterizations of photoelectric properties showed that the novel Fe-TPPE MOF exhibited strong response to visible light and Fe3O4@Fe-TPPE had even stronger response. Furthermore, the adsorption and photocatalytic degradation capabilities of Fe-TPPE and Fe3O4@Fe-TPPE, and the versatility as photocatalysts for aqueous pollutants were assessed through removal studies of the model pollutants tetracycline, rhodamine, methyl blue and Cr (VI). Additionally, the removal mechanism of the Fe3O4@Fe-TPPE for the above pollutants was explored. The high removal efficiency, fast magnetic separation, great recycling stability and minimal leak during application all demonstrate the good potential of Fe3O4@Fe-TPPE for practical and sustainable treatment of aqueous pollutants.