A hierarchical macromolecular composite: immobilizing NH2-MIL-101(Cr) on a cellulose acetate/cotton scaffold for advanced surface adsorption
摘要
The translation of nanoscale functional materials into macroscopic, easy-to-handle systems is a central goal in modern materials science. We introduce a flexible, organic–inorganic hybrid material based on the hierarchical assembly of NH2-MIL-101(Cr) nanocrystals onto a macromolecular scaffold composed of cellulose acetate and cotton fibers. This design strategy creates a multifunctional surface, dramatically enhancing the specific surface area from 12.8 to 159 m2/g while retaining the mechanical integrity and processability of the cellulosic backbone. The material’s engineered surface was probed through its application in the challenging removal of neuro-pharmaceuticals from water, where it exhibited exceptional performance: rapid adsorption (~ 94% removal of gabapentin and 83% of sumatriptan within 15 min), with kinetic behavior well described by a pseudo-second-order model. The supramolecular architecture demonstrated outstanding structural integrity, maintaining its high efficiency over five regeneration cycles and in complex industrial wastewater matrices. This study showcases a powerful and scalable approach for crafting advanced materials, where macromolecular science provides a robust platform to unlock the applied potential of high-performance crystalline nanomaterials.