FexCo3−xO4 nanoporous particles stemmed from metal–organic frameworks Fe3[Co(CN)6]2: A highly efficient material for removal of organic dyes from water

A novel facile strategy has been designed to fabricate FexCo3−xO4 porous nanostructure, which involves a morphology conserved and pyrolysis-induced transformation of Prussian Blue Analogue (PBA) Fe3[Co(CN)6]2 · nH2O nanoparticles. Owing to the release of born gases during the process of thermal decomposition, FexCo3−xO4 nanoporous particles with a relatively high surface area of 81 m2 g−1 were effectively obtained. Most importantly, when evaluate as the adsorbent for Congo red in water, the FexCo3−xO4 nanoporous particles not only exhibit a high adsorption capacity (84 mg/g) for the dye removal, but also are feasible for the fast recyclable treatment via a simple magnetic separation, suggesting their potential application in water treatment. The excellent adsorption abilities of FexCo3−xO4 particles is attributed to the beneficial features of porous nanostructure and large surface area, which facilitate dye access into the inner of materials with sufficient active sites.

► FexCo3−xO4 particles have been synthesized.
► FexCo3−xO4 particles possess relatively high surface area.
► The product demonstrates fascinating adsorption capacity for organic dye.