The sorbent based on MOF-5 and its polyurethane nanocomposite for copper adsorption from aqueous solution

Objective(s): Copper (Cu) is a very strong toxic metal in environment. Therefore, copper sorbent can be of great help to the medical field. Metal organic framework (MOF) has attracted considerable attention as sorbent because of high porosity and surface area. In this work, MOF-5 was used for copper absorption from aqueous solution as a zinc-based metal organic framework. Then, polyurethane (PU) nanocomposite was modified with MOF-5 by press method as copper sorbent. Methods: The samples were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), BET surface area, and Ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy. The effect of amount and concentration were investigated on adsorption of copper in water solution. Based on the results, MOF-5 and its polyurethane nanocomposite were demonstrated the potential utility for copper removal from water solution. Results: FESEM results confirmed that the samples are in nano scale. The copper absorption was approved by UV–Vis spectroscopy and BET surface area. The absorption value was increased by increase of amount and concentration. Conclusions: This work focuses on the preparation of an efficient copper sorbent based on MOF-5 and its PU nanocomposite. MOF-5 is composed of zinc metal and benzene 1,4-dicarboxylic acid with the formula Zn4O(BDC)3 as a suitable candidate for adsorption of copper from aqueous solution. The results show that this nanocomposite can have a good potential for the development of environmental applications.