Methylene Blue Adsorption from Aqueous Solution Using Zn2(Bdc)2(Dabco) Metal-Organic Framework and Its Polyurethane Nanocomposite

In this work, Zn2(BDC)2(DABCO) metal-organic framework (MOF) was prepared by Zn = zinc acetate dehydrates, BDC = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate, and DABCO = 1,4-diazabicyclo [2.2.2] octane. The MOF and its polyurethane (PU) nanocomposite were used to remove Methylene Blue (MB) as a harmful and toxic dye from an aqueous solution. Polyurethane polymer has been modified with a zinc-based metal-organic framework by the press method to develop an efficient adsorbent for the first time. Samples were characterized by Fourier Transform InfraRed (FT-IR) spectroscopy to evaluate functional groups, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis of crystal structure, field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) to determine morphology and size, BET analysis for measurement of surface area, and Ultraviolet–Visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy to study MB adsorption. Methylene blue adsorption was reported by changing the amount of adsorbent, MB concentration, pH, and temperature of the solution over time. According to the results, increasing the amount and percentage of adsorbent, pH, and temperature of the solution increased the percentage of adsorption efficiency. Also, the MOF and its nanocomposite can be a good choice for the adsorption of methylene blue as a cationic dye due to its high level and low material consumption. The results show that Zn2(BDC)2(DABCO) MOF and its PU nanocomposite can have good potential for the development of various adsorbents.