Manufacture of mirco-meso-macroporous ACNF/PANI/MIL-101(Cr)-NH2 composites with exceptional adsorption phenomenon for indomethacin

Exploiting advanced adsorbents for the elimination of the alarming level of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) pollution has sparked extensive research attention. Herein, taking acid-treated carbon nanofiber (ACNF) as composite skeleton, a unique ACNF/polyaniline/MIL-101(Cr)-NH2 (ACNF/PANI/MIL-101(Cr)-NH2) with robust 3D-supporting framework and tertiary pore structure was synthesized to remove indomethacin (IDM). Considering the large BET surface area (SBET), wide pore size distribution, highly-exposed active sites and affluent functional groups, ACNF/PANI/MIL-101(Cr)-NH2 depicted a standout adsorption capacity of 400.1 mg/ g for IDM, which was far superior to most reported adsorbents. Moreover, ACNF/PANI/MIL-101(Cr)-NH2 acquired rapid adsorption kinetics, wonderful reusability and stability. Ulteriorly, inspired by the electrode fabrication craft, one easy-to-recyclable ACNF/PANI/MIL-101(Cr)-NH2 taking graphite felt (GF) as carrier was manufactured and achieved superior adsorption capacity as well as satisfactory reusability. The adsorption mechanism was appraised via Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The experimental data disclosed that the superior adsorption capability mainly depended on the electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bonding and & pi;-& pi; interaction. Overall, this work sheds light on one feasible strategy to develop advanced adsorbents in practical wastewater treatment.