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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