MIL-100

Herein, carboxymethyl cellulose(CMC)/metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) composite (CMC/MIL100/MIL88A) as a novel adsorbent and photocatalyst was synthesized using an easy, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly (without toxic solvents) method at ambient temperature for Tetracycline(TCN) and Reactive Red 198(RR198) removal from water. The synthesized materials (MIL100(Fe), MIL88A(Al), CMC/MIL100, and CMC/MIL100(Fe)/MIL88A(Al) composites) were characterized. The CMC/MIL100(Fe)/MIL88A(Al) ternary composite in efficient removal of RR198 dye, achieved an adsorption capacity of 738.5 mg/g. The adsorption process was attributed to electrostatic attraction, π-π, hydrogen bonding, and metal-π interactions and conformed to the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetics models. Furthermore, the composite facilitated photocatalytic degradation of 87 % of a 100 mg/L tetracycline (TCN) solution under visible light irradiation within 120 min. Active species contributed to the degradation process were hydroxyl radicals > holes > superoxide radicals, order of importance, and the photocatalytic degradation followed second-order kinetics. The composite benefits from the synergistic effects of its two MOFs (MIL100(Fe) and MIL88A(Al)), alongside the CMC, which enhances active site density, charge separation, and transfer. These improvements contribute to superior structural and chemical stability in aqueous environments, facilitating efficient photocatalytic degradation. The formation of a Z-scheme heterojunction further promotes effective separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, significantly boosting photocatalytic activity. It might be concluded that CMC/MIL100(Fe)/MIL88A(Al) could be used for dual application (adsorption and photocatalysis) for pharmaceutical and dye removal. Also, CMC biopolymer leverages the unique structural and functional properties to enhance pollutant removal.