Design, preparation, and application of novel multilayer metal-polyphenol composite on macroporous framework melamine foam for effective filtration removal of tetracycline in fluidic systems

Effective capture of antibiotic residues from different fluidic sources is still a challenge in dealing with existence of the chemicals in nature, especially with presence of other pollutants and suspended solids in the systems. Here, we report preparation of a novel macroporous metal - polyphenol/melamine foam (MF) composite (FTBS@MF) as a filtration matrix. The FTBS@MF matrix has rapid and effective adsorption to tetracycline (TC) in aqueous systems and could provide 99% TC removal efficiency from wastewater with a maximum capacity (650 mg & BULL;g- 1) within 30 min. The TC adsorption on FTBS@MF are basically via multiple types of chemical interactions between TC and the functionalized MF surfaces, these mechanisms were confirmed by confocal imaging, XPS and fluorescence spectra. The FTBS@MF could reach 100% removal of TC at a flow rate 60 mL & BULL;h- 1 with a dynamic adsorption capacity 600 mg & BULL;L-1. Furthermore, the FTBS@MF showed proper thermal and chemical stability and reusability of up to 20 cycles of reuses, and the recycling process was environmentally friendly. In addition, the FTBS@MF showed >95% removal efficiency of TC from real milk and dairy manure wastewater through a dynamic adsorption system. The macroporous framework matrix with rapid and efficient removal of antibiotics from milk and wastewater present great potential for practical applications of removing other emerging pollutants from various fluidic streams.