MOF-based composite for methylene blue removal in wastewater

Metal-organic frameworks (MOF’s) have attracted attention due to their numerous compositions, large surface areas and ability to be used in diverse applications. The materials of the Institute Lavoisier (MIL) exhibit effective environmental adsorbent characteristics. MIL-88 A is a structure composed of ferric ions and fumaric acid ligands with interconnected porosity, and is currently being investigated for its high adsorption capacity. Additionally, graphene oxide (GO) has been shown to have the ability to remove turbidity and color from wastewater contaminated with dyes. This project developed a composite material from a polymeric matrix of polylactic acid (PLA), MOF (MIL-88 A) structures and GO particles. The ability to remove methylene blue dye in solutions containing concentrations of 3 and 5 ppm in water was evaluated. The preliminary results support the use of this material in membranes which allow the elimination of dyes present in wastewater due to the incorporation of the polymeric PLA phase.