Development of an amorphous cellulose acetate and Fe-MOF-74 mixed-matrix membrane for the synergistic adsorption and Fenton-based degradation of diclofenac

Abstract

In the present study, we present an innovative mixed-matrix membrane (MMM) consisting of amorphous cellulose acetate and a metal-organic framework (MOF) for the removal of diclofenac (DCF) from aqueous solutions. Porous and hydrophilic MMMs were fabricated with different weight percentages of the MOF using a facile, non-solvent-induced phase separation process. The synthesized MMMs were then systematically analyzed using various characterization techniques. The optimal MMM with the MOF at 0.7 wt% (CAM-0.7) exhibited a high removal efficiency for DCF (96.0%, k = 0.052/min) via concerted adsorption and Fenton oxidation. Quenching experiments and electron spin resonance tests revealed that this excellent degradation performance was due to the generated center dot OH, 1O2, and O2 center dot- species via H2O2 activation. CAM-0.7 also demonstrated remarkable stability and reusability, with a degradation efficiency of 78.8% after four regeneration cycles. The short- and long-term toxicity of DCF and its intermediates was also predicted using ECOSAR software. Collectively, these findings indicate that the proposed MMM is a promising candidate for the adsorption and advanced oxidation of organic pollutants in water treatment processes.