Comprehensive evaluation of HKUST-1 as an efficient adsorbent for textile dyes

This study aimed to comprehensively assess the performance of HKUST-1, a metal-organic framework (MOF), as an adsorbent for various classes of textile dyes, including direct, acid, basic, and vinyl sulfonic reactive dyes. Real-world dyeing scenarios were simulated using carefully selected combinations of dyes to evaluate HKUST-1's effectiveness in treating dyeing process effluents. The results demonstrated that HKUST-1 exhibited highly efficient adsorption capabilities across all dye classes. Isolated direct dyes showed the best adsorption outcomes, with adsorption percentages exceeding 75% and reaching 100% for direct blue dye (Sirius Blue K-CFN). Basic dyes exhibited adsorption levels of nearly 85% for blue dye (Astrazon Blue FG), while the adsorption performance for the yellow dye (Yellow GL-E) was the poorest. The adsorption of dyes in combined systems followed a similar trend to that of isolated dyes, with the trichromy of direct dyes yielding the best results. Kinetic studies indicated that the adsorption of dyes followed a pseudo-second-order model, with nearly instantaneous adsorption observed in all cases. Furthermore, most dyes adhered to the Langmuir isotherm, further confirming the effectiveness of the adsorption process. The exothermic nature of the adsorption process was evident. Importantly, the study demonstrated the feasibility of reusing the HKUST-1, highlighting its potential as an exceptional adsorbent for removing hazardous textile dyes from effluents. This research was funded by FEDER funds through the Operational Competitiveness Program – COMPETE and by National Funds through Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT) under the project UID/CTM/00264/2021.