Highly enhanced chloramphenicol adsorption performance of MIL-53-NH2(Al)-derived porous carbons modified with tannic acid

The worldwide demand for antibiotics has experienced a notable surge, propelled by the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic and advancements in the global healthcare sector. A prominent challenge confronting humanity is the unregulated release of antibiotic-laden wastewater into the environment, posing significant threats to public health. The adoption of affordable carbon-based adsorbents emerges as a promising strategy for mitigating the contamination of antibiotic wastewater. Here, we report the synthesis of novel porous carbons (MPC) through a direct pyrolysis of MIL-53-NH2(Al) and tannic acid (TANA) under N2 atmosphere at 800 °C for 4 h. The effect of TANA amount ratios (0%–20%, wt wt−1) on porous carbon structure and adsorption performance was investigated. Results showed that TANA modification resulted in decreased surface area (1,600 m2 g−1–949 m2 g−1) and pore volume (2.3 cm3 g−1–1.7 cm3 g−1), but supplied hydroxyl functional groups. Adsorption kinetic, intraparticle diffusion, and isotherm were examined, indicating the best fit of Elovich and Langmuir models. 10%-TANA-MPC obtained an ultrahigh adsorption capacity of 564.4 mg g−1, which was approximately 2.1 times higher than that of unmodified porous carbon. 10%-TANA-MPC could be easily recycled up to 5 times, and after reuse, this adsorbent still remained highly stable in morphology and surface area. The contribution of H bonding, pore-filling, electrostatic and π–π interactions to chloramphenicol adsorption was clarified. It is recommended that TANA-modified MIL-53-NH2(Al)-derived porous carbons act as a potential adsorbent for removal of pollutants effectively. •Porous carbons were produced by direct pyrolysis of MIL-53-NH2(Al) and tannic acid.•Modification resulted in improved adsorption performance, recyclability, and stability.•Modified porous carbon obtained a chloramphenicol adsorption capacity of 564.4 mg g−1.•Adsorption mechanisms could be controlled by hydrogen bonding and pore-filling.