Deciphering Interfacial Interactions in a Dual-Functional MOF@COF Composite for Organic Pollutant Removal from Water

Abstract

MOF@COF composites have emerged as a promising class of engineered materials with unique functionalities, combining the high porosity and tunability of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with the chemical and mechanical stability of covalent-organic frameworks (COFs). While their advantageous properties are well-recognized, their structural intricacies and the nature of the interfacial interactions remain insufficiently explored. In this study, a Fe-MOF@COF composite is presented, exhibiting dual functionalities for the efficient removal of organic pollutants from water. The enhanced performance is attributed to the unique properties of the MOF-COF interface, where synergistic interactions between the two porous materials play a critical role. Advanced synchrotron techniques were employed to probe interfacial interactions at the atomic and molecular levels. These findings underscore the potential of Fe-MOF@COF composite as a highly effective material for water remediation, providing deeper insights into their structural behavior and interfacial properties.