Synthesis of Novel Zr-MOF/Cloisite-30B Nanocomposite for Anionic and Cationic Dye Adsorption: Optimization by Design-Expert, Kinetic, Thermodynamic, and Adsorption Study

In this study, novel UiO-66/Cloisite-30B is synthesized through the solvothermal method and characterized properly. Closite-30B is an affordable, eco-friendly, and nontoxic substance. It is the first time that the mentioned nanoclay is composited with zirconium-based Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs). The nanocomposite exhibits satisfying efficiency in the removal of Methyl orange (MO) and Methylene blue (MB) at room temperature, 70 mg L −1 initial dye concentration, and pH = 6 due to MOF surface area and nanoclay functional groups. The optimum condition is studied through Design-Expert software, and the quadratic model (R 2 = 0.98 & R 2 adj = 0.92) for predicting MO adsorption capacity is indicated. Moreover, thermodynamic and adsorption kinetics are considered, and the chemisorption is confirmed due to a better fit with the second-order kinetic model (R 2 = 1). Among isotherm models, the Langmuir model is well fitted. After six adsorption–desorption cycles, the adsorbent has satisfactory results, especially MB adsorption (˃77%). In addition, the adsorbent operates selectively in acidic and basic environments. This study presents a novel efficient MOF nanocomposite that is highly potential for wastewater treatment. Graphical abstract