8-Hydroxyquinoline incorporated ZIF-8 nanocomposites for efficient decomposition and detection of manganese ions in aquatic environments

The presence of potassium permanganate in aquatic environment poses a significant issue that requires resolution. In response, zeolitic imidazolate framework nanoparticles with large pore sizes, extensive surface areas, and high chemical stability in water were synthesized. Subsequently, 8-hydroxyquinoline was incorporated into ZIF-8 (named 8-HQ@ZIF-8) to enhance its capability to decompose potassium permanganate in aquatic environment. The synthesized material underwent thorough characterization using powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, nitrogen isothermal adsorption-desorption at 77 K, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Electrical conductivity tests revealed that the 8-HQ@ZIF-8 material can decompose potassium permanganate within 5 min and be recycled over five runs. Furthermore, the nanocomposite of 8-HQ and ZIF-8 exhibited greater stability than the original ZIF-8 under strong oxidizing conditions. This suggests that functionalizing with organic ligands can enhance the durability and performance of the material. In addition to its degradability, the 8-HQ@ZIF-8 material, which carries manganese oxide, also displays variable fluorescence properties, making it a potential sensor for detecting residual potassium permanganate in drinking water treatment systems. Therefore, the 8-HQ@ZIF-8 material shows considerable promise for both the treatment and detection of pollutants in aquatic environments. [Display omitted] •Synthesized ZIF-8 nanoparticles with large pores and high chemical stability in water.•Enhanced ZIF-8 with 8-HQ to decompose KMnO₄ effectively in aquatic environments.•8-HQ@ZIF-8 degrades KMnO₄ within 5 min and is recyclable for 5 cycles.•Improved stability of 8-HQ@ZIF-8 under strong oxidizing conditions compared to ZIF-8.•8-HQ@ZIF-8's fluorescence properties enable detection of KMnO₄ in water treatment.