NiFe2O4@SiO2@HKUST-1 as Novel Magnetic Metal-Organic Framework Nanocomposites for the Curcumin Adsorption

In this study, magnetic metal-organic framework nanocomposites x(NiFe2O4)@(100-x)SiO2@HKUST-1 (10≤x≤60wt.%) were synthesized by an in-situ self-assembled method which is one of the green synthesis methods. Synthesized samples were characterized and their interaction with curcumin were investigated in aqueous solution. Phase formation, type of bonds formed, appearance and size of crystals, magnetic property and size of the specific surface area analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and BET surface area respectively. Results showed as the weight ratio of ferrite nickel to the silica substrate increases, the magnetic saturation increasing. By increasing the weigth percentages of nickel ferrite from 10 to 50%, the BET surface area increases and pore volume decreases. Finally, the adsorption and interaction of curcumin and effective parameters such as drug and adsorbent dose on adsorption rates were investigated. Results showed the highest adsorption value (94%) was obtained for magnetic metal-organic framework nanocomposite (30% by weight) at pH=7, ambient temperature, contact time of 8 hours and with the weight ratio (2:1) of curcumin to synthesized magnetic metal-organic framework nanocomposite. Experimental data were better matched with Frondelich’s adsorption isotherm. Although synthetic studies have shown that the process of adsorption and interaction of curcumin with a synthesized magnetic metal-organic framework nanocomposite, follows the quasi-second-order model.