Renewable uranium-based organic framework for removal of cationic herbicides via synergistic adsorption and photodegradation

Abstract

The advancement of innovative materials that integrate multiple functionalities presents a promising strategy for the eco-friendly management of water pollution. Among the various methods available, adsorption and photodegradation are particularly noteworthy due to their operational simplicity and energy efficiency. In this work, we present a bifunctional material developed from a uranium-based organic framework named UL-1, which is characterized by its high stability and porosity, enabling significant photocatalytic capabilities. This framework effectively captures the cationic herbicide diquat through electrostatic interactions, while simultaneously facilitating its degradation via photocatalytic processes. Notably, it demonstrates a maximum adsorption capacity of 89.91 mg g⁻¹ and achieves a removal efficiency of 100 %. The primary mechanism of removal involves the generation of reactive oxygen species upon exposure to visible light, which enhances the breakdown and mineralization of diquat into less toxic byproducts. Additionally, UL-1 demonstrates remarkable recyclability, as it can be reactivated through the photodegradation of diquat with only minimal performance decline observed after multiple cycles of adsorption and regeneration. This work highlights the potential of uranium-based organic framework as an effective multifunctional material for pollutant remediation and underscores its significance in sustainable water resource management strategies.