Synthesis and Characterization of Bio-based Metal-Organic Frameworks for Solar-Driven Photocatalytic Degradation of Emerging Contaminants in Water

Project Abstract

Sustainable synthesis of bio-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is explored to address the urgent need for efficient solar-driven photocatalytic degradation of emerging contaminants in water. This study reports a green, scalable route to fabricate bio-derived MOF composites using natural polymeric linkers and metal nodes with tunable porosity, stability, and light-harvesting properties. Comprehensive characterization including X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, solid-state NMR, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirms the successful integration of bio-based linkers into robust crystalline frameworks and reveals bandgap engineering achievable through ligand design and metal choice. Photocatalytic performance is systematically evaluated under simulated sunlight and visible-light irradiation against a suite of emerging contaminants, including pharmaceutically active compounds (e.g., diclofenac, ciprofloxacin), microplastics-associated additives, and personal care products, in both single- and multi-component aqueous matrices. The MOF catalysts exhibit enhanced charge separation and prolonged lifetime of photogenerated electron-hole pairs due to optimized Z-scheme-like interfaces and co-catalyst incorporation, leading to superior degradation efficiencies and mineralization rates at neutral pH. Kinetic analyses reveal pseudo-first-order behavior with rate constants significantly exceeding conventional TiO2 benchmarks under comparable light intensities. Mechanistic insights are gained through reactive species trapping experiments, time-resolved photoluminescence, and electron paramagnetic resonance, confirming predominant roles for hydroxyl radicals and superoxide anions, while demonstrating the influence of bio-linker functional groups on adsorption, pre-concentration, and interfacial charge transfer. The study also investigates the stability and reusability of bio-based MOFs across multiple cycles, addressing framework integrity, linker hydrolysis, and leaching concerns, and demonstrates negligible secondary contamination under optimized operating conditions. A life-cycle assessment contrasts the environmental impact of the bio-based MOFs with conventional petroleum-derived counterparts, highlighting reduced energy input, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improved end-of-life recyclability. Pilot-scale reaction optimization identifies process parameters—solvent system, catalyst loading, illumination intensity, and contaminant loading—that maximize degradation efficiency while minimizing by-products and secondary pollution. Furthermore, the work integrates computational modeling to predict structure–activity relationships, guiding the rational design of next-generation MOFs with target pore architectures and light-absorbing functionalities. The results establish a proof-of-concept for using sustainable, bio-derived MOFs as versatile photocatalysts capable of rapid, selective, and mineralizing degradation of diverse contaminants under solar irradiation, with potential for deployment in decentralized water treatment systems. This abstract contributes actionable knowledge toward engineering eco-friendly photocatalysts that align with circular economy principles while addressing real-world water quality challenges.

Project Overview

What This Project Is About

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The project looks at designing and testing bio-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to break down pollutants in water using sunlight. We will make MOFs from renewable materials, study how they absorb light, and see how well they can clean water when exposed to solar energy. The goal is a simple, practical method to remove emerging contaminants without harsh chemicals.

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The Problem It Addresses

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Many water pollutants resist normal cleaning methods and accumulate in the environment. Conventional photocatalysts often use rare metals or require high-energy light. This project explores safer, renewable-material MOFs that can work under natural sunlight, offering a greener solution for water purification.

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Objectives of the Project

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1. Design and synthesize bio-based MOFs suitable for photocatalysis.
2. Characterize the structure, composition, and light-absorption properties.
3. Assess the ability to degrade selected emerging contaminants under visible light.
4. Evaluate stability and reusability of the MOFs in water.
5. Compare performance with conventional photocatalysts.

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What You Will Do Step by Step

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1) Review basic MOF chemistry and safety for handling materials. 2) Synthesize bio-based MOFs using simple, renewable precursors. 3) Characterize materials with basic tests (structure, surface area, light absorption). 4) Test photocatalytic activity with selected contaminants under simulated sunlight. 5) Monitor degradation over time and identify by-products. 6) Analyze data to relate structure to performance. 7) Test reusability by repeating degradation cycles. 8) Prepare a concise report and present findings.

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Expected Outcome

A set of renewable MOFs that efficiently use sunlight to degrade water pollutants, with demonstrated stability and reusability. The project should produce practical insights into how material choice and design affect photocatalytic activity, supporting greener water purification strategies.