In situ synthesis of a hierarchical MIL-100(Fe)-modified nanofiber membrane for the efficient removal of levofloxacin

Abstract

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are prospective adsorbents for the removal of drugs from sewage. However, the powder form of MOFs limits its further practical adsorption application. Herein, electrospinning and adhesive layer modification methods have been employed in the synthesis of a hierarchical MIL-100(Fe)-modified nanofiber membrane (MIL-100(Fe)-PNFM). The MIL-100(Fe) nanocrystals were stably grown in situ on the polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers. MIL-100(Fe)-PNFM exhibits a high adsorption capacity for levofloxacin (LVX). The adsorption process can be described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Freundlich isotherm, and the adsorption capacity of MIL-100(Fe)-PNFM can reach 156.93 mg g⁻¹. The MIL-100(Fe)-PNFM revealed good recyclable performance, with an 84% adsorption efficiency towards LVX after five cycles. This study demonstrates that the hierarchical MIL-100(Fe)-PNFM has great practical application prospects in the field of pollutant treatment.