Thermal-Responsive PNIPAM/MOF-808 Aerogels for Controllable Water and I2 Capture and Release

The development of metal–organic framework (MOF)-based adsorbents with high uptake capacity and mild regeneration conditions represents a promising avenue for addressing environment-based issues. In this study, we present the successful synthesis of temperature-responsive composite aerogels comprising MOF-808 and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM), which forms interpenetrated networks with acrylamide (AM). The resulting thermally responsive PNIPAM/MOF-808 composite aerogels achieved an impressive maximum water capture exceeding 2267 wt % at room temperature, with reversible release observed above 32 °C due to the hydrophilicity–hydrophobicity transition of PNIPAM. Interestingly, the aerogels also exhibit an iodine (I₂) capacity of 234 wt % based on the charge transfer mechanism. This study provides a novel strategy for the preparation of efficient and reusable porous adsorbent materials, and it also demonstrates broad application prospects in areas such as water resource management and waste reduction.