Adsorptive removal of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) from water with a metal–organic framework

• A metal–organic framework can be used in adsorptive removal of 2,4-D.
• The MOF had the highest adsorption capacity and very rapid adsorption.
• Reusability of the MOF is remarkable that can be used for many times.
• Adsorption mechanism was suggested with detailed experiments.

Adsorptive removal of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) using a MOF (metal–organic framework), Cr-benzenedicarboxylate (MIL-53), has been studied for the first time to understand the applicability of MOFs in the removal of hazardous herbicides from contaminated water. MIL-53 has a very fast adsorption in one hour and the adsorption capacity of MIL-53 is much higher than that of activated carbon or zeolite (USY). Importantly, the adsorption of 2,4-D over MIL-53 is very favorable especially at low concentrations of 2,4-D. Moreover, the adsorbent can be used several times in adsorptive removal by washing the used adsorbent with a simple solvent. Therefore, MOFs such as MIL-53 can be one of adsorbents that could be used in the adsorptive removal of 2,4-D from contaminated water. Additionally, zeta potential of the adsorbent and the effect of pH and temperature on the adsorption were also investigated, and a plausible adsorption mechanism could be suggested.

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