Synthesis and characterization of Ag@Cu-based MOFs as efficient adsorbents for iodine anions removal from aqueous solutions

Due to the critical importance of capturing radioiodine from aquatic environments for human health and ecosystems, developing highly efficient adsorbent materials with rapid kinetics for capturing iodide ions in aqueous solutions is urgently needed. Although extensive research has been conducted on iodine adsorption in gas and organic phases, limited research has been dedicated to adsorption in aqueous solutions. An effective technique for removing iodide was proposed using Ag@Cu-based MOFs synthesized by incorporating Ag into calcined HKUST-1 with varying mass ratios of Ag/Cu–C. Extensive characterization using SEM, XRD, XPS, and nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis confirmed successful incorporation of Ag in Cu–C. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted, demonstrating that the 5% Ag@Cu–C material exhibited a high adsorption capacity of 247.1 mg g−1 at pH 3. Mechanism investigations revealed that Cu0 and dissolved oxygen in water generate Cu2O and H2O2, while Ag and a small amount of CuO generate Ag2O and Cu2O. Furthermore, iodide ions in the solution are captured by Cu+ and Ag+ adsorption sites. These findings highlighted the potential of Ag@Cu-based MOFs as highly effective adsorbents for iodine anions removal in radioactive wastewater. •Ag@Cu-based MOFs with varying mass ratios of Ag/Cu–C were successfully synthesized by modifying calcined HKUST-1 with Ag.•5%Ag@Cu–C showed a high adsorption capacity of 247.1 mg g−1 at pH 3.•The superior iodine anion removal performance was attributed to the strong chemical affinity of Cu+ and Ag+ to iodide.•Ag@Cu–C had great potential as a selective iodide removal material for radioactive wastewater.