Immobilization of MIL-88(Fe) anchored TiO2-chitosan(2D/2D) hybrid nanocomposite for the degradation of organophosphate pesticide: Characterization, mechanism and degradation intermediates.

In this study, we have rationally designed and grafted a bio-assisted 2D/2D TiO2/MIL-88(Fe) (TCS@MOF) heterojunction by growing granular TiO2 on the surface of MIL-88(Fe) nanosheet, as hybrid photocatalyst. The hierarchical TCS@MOF composite was prepared via the one-pot solvothermal process and employed for monocrotophos (MCP) degradation under visible light region, since its persistent nature on soil and water causes major threat to the environment. The TCS@MOF promotes a number of packed high-speed nano-tunnels in the (p-n) heterojunctions, which significantly enhance the migration of photo-induced electrons (e-) and holes (h+), respectively and thus limits the charge recombination of e-s. The optimized photocatalyst achieves significant catalytic activity of ~98.79% for the degradation of MCP within 30 min of irradiation. The prominent oxidative radicals namely •OH, •O2- etc., were involved in the oxidation of organic pesticide. Besides, TCS@MOF exhibits outstanding stability even after five repetitive cycles for the oxidation of MCP with a negligible decrease in photo-activity. The proposed mechanism and oxidative pathways of MCP were rationally deduced in detail subject to experimental results. The mechanism renders insight into the oxidation and consequent bond rupture of pollutant as well as into the formation of products such as H2O, CO2, etc. This report unveils a novel architecture of proficiently optimized TCS@MOF material structure for the perceptive oxidation of organic contaminants.

Environment responsive Al3+ networked chitosan-gelatin spherical beads for the effective removal of organic pollutants from aqueous solutions.

In order to remove noxious Congo Red (CR), Acid Red 1 (AR1) and Reactive Red 2 (RR2) dye molecules from water, an environment responsive and biodegradable spherical chitosan-gelatin biopolymeric beads were designed and embedded with Al3+ ions. The surface morphology, specific surface area, crystalline phases, elemental composition and thermal properties of the CAG spherical beads had examined. Adsorption experiments were explored to investigate the adsorption properties of dye molecules on CAG spherical beads. The adsorption parameters like solution pH, contact time, co-existing ions, adsorbent dosage and regeneration studies were optimized using batch experiment method. The maximum adsorption efficiency of CR, AR1, and RR2 dye molecules on CAG spherical beads were 34.89, 32.36 and 33.63 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption system fits well with pseudo-second-order kinetics and Freundlich isotherm model. The molecular interactions followed in the adsorption mechanisms were the electrostatic force of attraction, surface complexation and hydrogen bondings that exist between dye molecules and the CAG spherical beads. The CAG spherical beads could be regenerated up to six consecutive cycles using an aqueous 0.1 M NaOH solution. The study emphasizes that the fabricated CAG spherical beads could act as a potential adsorbent in the water/wastewater treatment process.