Synthesis and characterization of Cu-BTC metal-organic frameworks onto lignocellulosic fibers by layer-by-layer method in aqueous solution

In the present study, lignin-contained cellulosic fiber material as a substrate was used for immobilizing Cu-BTC metal-organic framework, the composite was strategically synthesized using trimesic salts as linker sources. The growth of Cu-BTC onto lignocellulosic fiber was conducted in aqueous solution by a layer-by-layer method, and the effect of preparation temperature, time, and number of layers of Cu-BTC deposition was also investigated. The products were characterized by ATR FT-IR, XRD, and SEM. The results showed that the as-prepared Cu-BTC in water was partially hydrolyzed phase of Cu-BTC prepared in organic solvents. Cu-BTC metal-organic frameworks were homogeneously immobilized on carboxymethylated high yield pulp fibers (CHFs). Increasing the growth temperature and time would enhance the deposit of Cu-BTC onto fiber surface slightly, however increasing the growth layers would promote the deposit ratio significantly (from 26.17 to 68.59%, 2 layers to 6 layers). The specific surface area of synthesized Cu-BTC@CHFs had a distinct promotion compared with unmodified fibers, showing a certain gas adsorption capacity.