Efficient Fluoride Removal Using Calcium Alginate Gel Beads Enhanced with an Al-MOF/Expanded Graphite Composite
摘要
Fluoride contamination presents a significant global environmental issue. Adsorption is a straightforward and effective approach. However, most existing adsorbents are powdered, impeding efficient solid–liquid separation. Thus, synthesizing CA gel beads embedded with high-performance MOF composites offers an effective solution. In this study, NH2-Al-MOF@EG was synthesized using a solvothermal method. The adsorption behavior was well described by the PSO kinetic model (R2 = 0.9939) and the Freundlich isotherm model (R2 = 0.9900), with a Qm of 1068.56 mg/g. NH2-Al-MOF@EG removes F− through active sites including –NH2, NO3−, –OH, –COOH groups, and aluminum centers. CA beads were synthesized via dropwise addition and optimized using RSM, achieving an optimal Qe of 1.65 mg/g. NH2-Al-MOF@EG-CA exhibited a Qe (195 mg/g at C0 = 500 mg/g) when the SA: NH2-Al-MOF@EG mass ratio was 1:4. The morphology and structure of adsorbents were characterized using SEM, XRD, FT-IR, and XPS, thereby elucidating their adsorption mechanism. Overall, these adsorbents demonstrate superior defluorination performance and greater practical potential than other adsorbents. Moreover, NH2-Al-MOF@EG-CA exhibits reusability and strong resistance to interference.