Cellulose-supported magnetic Fe3O4-MOF composites for enhanced dye removal application

Cellulose micro-fibrils (CMF), which are green, sustainable and are made from abundant renewable biomass, have attracted much attention in the research community for various applications. In this study, we presented a novel magnetic cellulose composite catalyst (HKUST-1/Fe3O4/CMF) for pollution remedy purpose. The main function of CMF is to improve the dispersion of metal organic framework (MOF) crystals (HKUST-1) and Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) so that the catalytic performance of resultant HKUST-1/Fe3O4/CMF composite is enhanced. The as-prepared HKUST-1/Fe3O4/CMF catalyst was characterized by TEM, EDX, BET, XRD, FTIR, TGA and VSM analytical techniques. Results have showed that HKUST-1 and Fe3O4 NPs are anchored onto the surface of CMF. The adsorption efficiency of HKUST-1/Fe3O4/CMF composite has enhanced because of the porous MOF structures. Furthermore, the composite catalyst has a large surface area and exhibits good magnetic and catalytic properties in the Fenton system. When used as a catalyst in the degradation of dye model compound (methylene blue, MB), the composite catalyst shows a high catalytic activity. In addition, the composite catalyst reveals a good reusability, durability in the recycling and reuse testing. These results support to conclude that the as-prepared HKUST-1/Fe3O4/CMF composite is a green, sustainable, effective and potential catalyst system for pollutant remedy.