Self-adjusted bimetallic zeolitic-imidazolate framework-derived hierarchical magnetic carbon composites as efficient adsorbent for optimizing drug contaminant removal

Abstract The construction of efficient and superior adsorbed materials for the precise removal of hazardous contaminants from water have gained significant attention by the scientific community. In this work, a facile bimetallic zeolitic-imidazolate framework (CoxZny-JUC-160) by using self-adjusted strategy (SAS) was developed to synthesize various N-doped Co-based hierarchical porous carbon composites through sacrificial template route. A series of highly porous magnetic materials with well-dispersed or reduced Co particle size have been fabricated by fine tuning the ratio of Co and Zn in the precursors. For the first time the effect of the Co/Zn ratio on the textural properties and drug adsorption performance of the resultant porous carbon composites have been investigated systematically. Remarkably, the optimal Co@NC-1/4-900 possesses large specific surface area, hierarchical pore structures, and well-distributed Co adsorption sites which facilitates the exposure of active Co center and realizes fast diffusion of amodiaquine (ADQ) molecules with record-high adsorption capacities (890.23 mg g-1). The presented synthetic strategy provides deep insights into the development of highly efficient recyclable magnetic adsorbent for the removal of contaminants.