Magnetically Tuned Organic Framework-Decorated Chemical Packaging Waste for Water Decontamination and Bactericidal Application: A Win–Win Investigation Promoting Circular Economy

Abstract

A novel adsorbent was established from chemical packaging waste, embedded with magnetite and an organic framework named OFMCPW for Congo red (CR) scavenging and antibacterial performance. OFMCPW was characterized through BET surface area, PXRD, FTIR, pH_zpc, VSM, and SEM-EDX. SEM revealed a pebble-like porous surface, while EDX-elemental mapping confirmed C, N, O, Mg, Al, Si, S, and Fe existence. FTIR and XPS confirmed the magnetite, thiourea-based framework presence on the chemical packaging waste, and crystallinity was obtained from PXRD. Post-adsorption, the crystallinity of OFCPW decreased and closed pores were observed. The material exhibits a 17.929 m²/g surface area, 0.631 emu/g magnetic saturation, and 8.44 pH_zpc value. The maximum CR uptake of 154.526 mg/g was achieved under ambient conditions. The Freundlich model (R² = 0.999) and pseudo-second-order (R² = 0.996) model best matched the model. With endothermic (26.111 to 46.789 kJ/mol) and spontaneous (−0.980 to −7.589 kJ/mol) ways. 79.30% regeneration capacity was obtained in a methanol medium with 4-cycle reusability. OFMCPW treated industrial wastewater up to 56.23%. A secondary new adsorbent made from exhausted waste achieved a 73% uptake efficiency. OFMCPW inhibited Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli with a 10 mm zone at 100 mg/mL, supporting the material’s efficiency in multiple applications and circular economy practices.