Thiol-Functionalized MIL-100(Fe)/Device for the Removal of Heavy Metals in Water.

The preparation of a functional device based on a functionalized MIL-100(Fe) metal-organic framework for the solid-phase extraction of heavy metals is reported. By a simple and easy straightforward grafting procedure, a thiol-functionalized MIL-100(Fe) material (MIL-100(Fe)-SH) with a S/Fe ratio of 0.80 and a surface area of 840 m2 g-1 was obtained. MIL-100(Fe)-SH exhibited a higher Hg(II) extraction (96 ± 5%) than that of MIL-100(Fe) (78 ± 4%) due to the interaction between thiol groups and Hg(II) ions. For practical applications, the obtained MIL-100(Fe)-SH was integrated by a simple method to a 3D printed support based on a matrix of interconnected cubes using poly(vinylidene fluoride) as binder, obtaining a functional device that simultaneously acts as stirrer and sorbent. The developed device showed high efficiency for the removal of Hg(II), good reusability, and excellent performance for the simultaneous preconcentration and further detection and quantification of Hg(II), Pb(II), and As(V) in tap, well, and lake water samples.

Determination of long-chain fatty acids in anaerobic digester supernatant and olive mill wastewater exploiting an in-syringe dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction and derivatization-free GC-MS method.

Long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) are commonly found in lipid-rich wastewaters and are a key factor to monitor the anaerobic digesters. A new simple, fast, precise, and suitable method for routine analysis of LCFA is proposed. The system involves in-syringe-magnetic stirring-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) prior to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) without a derivatization process. Calibration curves were prepared in an ethanol solution (R2 ≥ 0.996), which was also useful as disperser solvent. Hexane was chosen as the extraction solvent. Several parameters (pH, ionic strength, extraction solvent volume, stirring time) were optimized in multivariate and univariate studies. Limits of detection (LODs) were found in the range 0.01-0.05 mg L-1 and good precision inter-day (RSDs≤7.9%) and intra-day (RSDs≤4.4%) were obtained. The method was applied to quantify LCFA in supernatants of anaerobic digesters and olive mill wastewaters (OMW). Palmitic, stearic, and oleic acids were the most abundant fatty acid in the analyzed samples and the relative recoveries for all of them were between 81 and 113%.

Iron metal-organic framework supported in a polymeric membrane for solid-phase extraction of anti-inflammatory drugs.

A solid-phase extraction methodology using a MIL-101(Fe)/PVDF membrane was proposed as a useful alternative for the simultaneous determination of naproxen, diclofenac, and ibuprofen, three anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), in wastewater samples by HPLC-CCD analysis. The MIL-101(Fe) was prepared by a rapid microwave-assisted method and supported in a polymeric PVDF membrane. The prepared material was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption-desorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The factors that affect the extraction of the NSAIDs using the MIL-101(Fe)/PVDF membrane as the sample volume, the solution pH and the elution solvent were studied in detail. The selected conditions were 50 mL of sample solution at pH 3 and 5 mL of methanol: acetone (30:70, v v-1) acidified with formic acid at 2% as elution solvent. The analytical method was linear with determination coefficients (r2 ≥ 0.998) in the calibration ranges from 2 to 100 ng mL-1 for naproxen, 20-200 ng mL-1 for diclofenac, and 100-300 ng mL-1 for ibuprofen. The intra and inter-day precision (repeatability and reproducibility, respectively) of the method (RSD%, n = 5) were lower than 4.8% and 7.1%, respectively. The accuracy reported as recovery percentages ranged from 82 to 118%, and the limits of detection were between 1.8 and 32.3 ng mL-1. Moreover, MIL-101(Fe)/PVDF membrane exhibited improved adsorption efficiency compared to that of its analog MIL-101(Cr)/PVDF and the pristine PVDF membranes, obtaining in an easy and rapid (60 min) way a low-cost and low-toxic adsorbent with excellent stability, reusability, mechanic resistance, and simple operation which shows excellent performance.

Magnetic porous carbons derived from cobalt(ii)-based metal-organic frameworks for the solid-phase extraction of sulfonamides.

In this work, the dispersive solid-phase extraction of sulfonamide antibiotics was evaluated using magnetic porous carbons derived from cobalt(ii)-based metal-organic frameworks. By direct carbonization under the inert atmosphere of Co-SIM-1, Co-MOF-74 and Co-DABCO MOFs, different magnetic porous carbons were prepared and characterized to study their structural, morphological, chemical and textural properties. Their performance for the simultaneous extraction of three sulfonamides (sulfadiazine, sulfamerazine and sulfamethazine), prior to HPLC analysis, was also evaluated, obtaining the best results (>95%) in the case of C/Co-SIM-1 carbon, probably due to its bimodal pore structure, high surface area and large amount of surface defects. Using this adsorbent, the effect of the solution pH and contact time on the adsorption of the sulfonamides, and the reusability of the carbon were studied.

Metal-Organic Framework@Carbon Hybrid Magnetic Material as an Efficient Adsorbent for Pollutant Extraction.

The preparation of a hybrid magnetic metal-organic framework (MOF)@carbon from a MOF-derived porous carbon is reported. MOF-74(Co) is used as a precursor for the synthesis of a magnetic carbon with homogeneous cobalt particle distribution (C-MOF-74) by a direct carbonization step. The cobalt particles present in the carbon are partially converted to zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)-67 by reaction with 2-methylimidazole to obtain a core-shell ZIF-67@C-MOF-74. The effect of the reaction time and 2-methylimidazole concentration in the conversion procedure is studied by X-ray diffraction and scanning microscopy. Because of its high surface area, dual porosity, and magnetic properties, ZIF-67@C-MOF-74 exhibits high extraction capacity (180 mg g-1), fast adsorption rate, and excellent recyclability for Congo red adsorption. In addition, the prepared material shows high efficiency in the extraction of different phenolic compounds. The developed procedure can be easily adapted to different carbons and MOFs, thus potentially enabling the preparation of a wide number of new hybrid materials.

Synthesis of Cr3+-doped TiO2 nanoparticles: characterization and evaluation of their visible photocatalytic performance and stability.

Cr3+-doped TiO2 nanoparticles (Ti-Cr) were synthesized by microwave-assisted sol-gel method. The Ti-Cr catalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, N2 adsorption-desorption analysis, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and zetametry. The anatase mesoporous Ti-Cr material exhibited a specific surface area of 54.5 m2/g. XPS analysis confirmed the proper substitution of Ti4+ cations by Cr3+ cations in the TiO2 matrix. The particle size was of average size of 17 nm for the undoped TiO2 but only 9.5 nm for Ti-Cr. The Cr atoms promoted the formation of hydroxyl radicals and modified the surface adsorptive properties of TiO2 due to the increase in surface acidity of the material. The photocatalytic evaluation demonstrated that the Ti-Cr catalyst completely degraded (4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy) acetic acid under visible light irradiation, while undoped TiO2 and P25 allowed 45.7% and 31.1%, respectively. The rate of degradation remained 52% after three cycles of catalyst reuse. The higher visible light photocatalytic activity of Ti-Cr was attributed to the beneficial effect of Cr3+ ions on the TiO2 surface creating defects within the TiO2 crystal lattice, which can act as charge-trapping sites, reducing the electron-hole recombination process.

Automated on-line monitoring of the TiO2-based photocatalytic degradation of dimethyl phthalate and diethyl phthalate.

A fully automated on-line system for monitoring the TiO2-based photocatalytic degradation of dimethyl phthalate (DMP) and diethyl phthalate (DEP) using sequential injection analysis (SIA) coupled to liquid chromatography (LC) with UV detection was proposed. The effects of the type of catalyst (sol-gel, Degussa P25 and Hombikat), the amount of catalyst (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g L-1), and the solution pH (4, 7 and 10) were evaluated through a three-level fractional factorial design (FFD) to verify the influence of the factors on the response variable (degradation efficiency, %). As a result of FFD evaluation, the main factor that influences the process is the type of catalyst. Degradation percentages close to 100% under UV-vis radiation were reached using the two commercial TiO2 materials, which present mixed phases (anatase/rutile), Degussa P25 (82%/18%) and Hombikat (76%/24%). 60% degradation was obtained using the laboratory-made pure anatase crystalline TiO2 phase. The pH and amount of catalyst showed minimum significant effect on the degradation efficiencies of DMP and DEP. Greater degradation efficiency was achieved using Degussa P25 at pH 10 with 1.5 g L-1 catalyst dosage. Under these conditions, complete degradation and 92% mineralization were achieved after 300 min of reaction. Additionally, a drastic decrease in the concentration of BOD5 and COD was observed, which results in significant enhancement of their biodegradability obtaining a BOD5/COD index of 0.66 after the photocatalytic treatment. The main intermediate products found were dimethyl 4-hydroxyphthalate, 4-hydroxy-diethyl phthalate, phthalic acid and phthalic anhydride indicating that the photocatalytic degradation pathway involved the hydrolysis reaction of the aliphatic chain and hydroxylation of the aromatic ring, obtaining products with lower toxicity than the initial molecules.

Automated solid-phase extraction of phenolic acids using layered double hydroxide-alumina-polymer disks.

The application of layered double hydroxide-Al2 O3 -polymer mixed-matrix disks for solid-phase extraction is reported for the first time. Al2 O3 is embedded in a polymer matrix followed by an in situ metal-exchange process to obtain a layered double hydroxide-Al2 O3 -polymer mixed-matrix disk with excellent flow-through properties. The extraction performance of the prepared disks is evaluated as a proof of concept for the automated extraction using sequential injection analysis of organic acids (p-hydroxybenzoic acid, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, gallic acid) following an anion-exchange mechanism. After the solid-phase extraction, phenolic acids were quantified by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection using a core-shell silica-C18 stationary phase and isocratic elution (acetonitrile/0.5% acetic acid in pure water, 5:95, v/v). High sensitivity and reproducibility were obtained with limits of detection in the range of 0.12-0.25 µg/L (sample volume, 4 mL), and relative standard deviations between 2.9 and 3.4% (10 µg/L, n = 6). Enrichment factors of 34-39 were obtained. Layered double hydroxide-Al2 O3 -polymer mixed-matrix disks had an average lifetime of 50 extractions. Analyte recoveries ranged from 93 to 96% for grape juice and nonalcoholic beer samples.

Emerging materials for sample preparation.

This review provides an update on the implementation of emerging materials as sorbents for sample preparation in combination with chromatographic separation. We have focused on recent applications of metal-organic frameworks, layered double hydroxides, porous carbons obtained from polymers or biomass precursors, and silicates (clays and zeolites). The review is directed toward the strategies followed by the authors to engineer suitable supports enabling the application of materials with unconventional size and shape as high-performance sorbents to explore new boundaries in sample pretreatment in manual or automated modes.

Metal-organic framework mixed-matrix disks: Versatile supports for automated solid-phase extraction prior to chromatographic separation.

We present for the first time the application of metal-organic framework (MOF) mixed-matrix disks (MMD) for the automated flow-through solid-phase extraction (SPE) of environmental pollutants. Zirconium terephthalate UiO-66 and UiO-66-NH2 MOFs with different size (90, 200 and 300nm) have been incorporated into mechanically stable polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) disks. The performance of the MOF-MMDs for automated SPE of seven substituted phenols prior to HPLC analysis has been evaluated using the sequential injection analysis technique. MOF-MMDs enabled the simultaneous extraction of phenols with the concomitant size exclusion of molecules of larger size. The best extraction performance was obtained using a MOF-MMD containing 90nm UiO-66-NH2 crystals. Using the selected MOF-MMD, detection limits ranging from 0.1 to 0.2µgL-1 were obtained. Relative standard deviations ranged from 3.9 to 5.3% intra-day, and 4.7-5.7% inter-day. Membrane batch-to-batch reproducibility was from 5.2 to 6.4%. Three different groundwater samples were analyzed with the proposed method using MOF-MMDs, obtaining recoveries ranging from 90 to 98% for all tested analytes.

Nanoparticle-Directed Metal-Organic Framework/Porous Organic Polymer Monolithic Supports for Flow-Based Applications.

A two-step nanoparticle-directed route for the preparation of macroporous polymer monoliths for which the pore surface is covered with a metal-organic framework (MOF) coating has been developed to facilitate the use of MOFs in flow-based applications. The flow-through monolithic matrix was prepared in a column format from a polymerization mixture containing ZnO-nanoparticles. These nanoparticles embedded in the precursor monolith were converted to MOF coatings via the dissolution-precipitation equilibrium after filling the pores of the monolith with a solution of the organic linker. Pore surface coverage with the microporous zeolitic imidazolate framework ZIF-8 resulted in an increase in surface area from 72 to 273 m2 g-1. Monolithic polymer containing ZIF-8 coating was implemented as a microreactor catalyzing the Knoevenagel condensation reaction and also in extraction column format enabling the preconcentration of trace levels of toxic chlorophenols in environmental waters. Our approach can be readily adapted to other polymers and MOFs thus enabling development of systems for flow-based MOF applications.

In-syringe dispersive µ-SPE of estrogens using magnetic carbon microparticles obtained from zeolitic imidazolate frameworks.

Herein, we propose for the first time the use of magnetic porous carbons (MPCs) derived from zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) for the automated in-syringe magnetic dispersive micro-solid phase extraction (D-µ-SPE) of environmental pollutants prior to their analysis using GC-MS. MPCs with dual porosity are obtained from the direct combustion of the ZIF-67, obtaining robust and magnetic porous carbons on the micrometer scale. As proof of concept, this material has been applied for the automated D-µ-SPE of estrogens (estrone, 17ß-estradiol, and 17α-ethynylestradiol) cataloged as Contaminants of Emergent Concern by the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States (US-EPA). The automation of the system provided a good precision given the low relative standard deviations (RSDs) obtained, ranging from 2.70 to 5.90 % for intra-day precision and from 4.6 to 9.55 % for inter-day precision. Furthermore, the clean-up and preconcentration of the sample is easy and quick, as the in-syringe magnetic D-µ-SPE is carried out in less than 20 min. The high porosity, magnetism, and good stability of the MPCs facilitated the automation of the SPE in dispersive mode enabling the analysis of samples with a complex matrix without backpressure or problems related with the clogging of the instrumentation conduits. The applicability of the method to wastewater samples has been demonstrated given the good recoveries attained ranging from 86 to 115 %. Graphical abstract In-syringe dispersive µ-SPE of estrogens using magnetic carbon microparticles prior GC-MS.

Metal Oxide Assisted Preparation of Core-Shell Beads with Dense Metal-Organic Framework Coatings for the Enhanced Extraction of Organic Pollutants.

Dense and homogeneous metal-organic framework (MOF) coatings on functional bead surfaces are easily prepared by using intermediate sacrificial metal oxide coatings containing the metal precursor of the MOF. Polystyrene (PS) beads are coated with a ZnO layer to give ZnO@PS core-shell beads. The ZnO@PS beads are reactive in the presence of 2-methylimidazole to transform part of the ZnO coating into a porous zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) external shell positioned above the internal ZnO precursor shell. The obtained ZIF-8@ZnO@PS beads can be easily packed in column format for flow-through applications, such as the solid-phase extraction of trace priority-listed environmental pollutants. The prepared material shows an excellent permeance to flow when packed as a column to give high enrichment factors, facile regeneration, and excellent reusability for the extraction of the pollutant bisphenol A. It also shows an outstanding performance for the simultaneous enrichment of mixtures of endocrine disrupting chemicals (bisphenol A, 4-tert-octylphenol and 4-n-nonylphenol), facilitating their analysis when present at very low levels (<1 µg L(-1) ) in drinking waters. For the extraction of the pollutant bisphenol A, the prepared ZIF-8@ZnO@PS beads also show a superior extraction and preconcentration capacity to that of the PS beads used as precursors and the composite materials obtained by the direct growth of ZIF-8 on the surface of the PS beads in the absence of metal oxide intermediate coatings.

Submicrometric Magnetic Nanoporous Carbons Derived from Metal-Organic Frameworks Enabling Automated Electromagnet-Assisted Online Solid-Phase Extraction.

We present the first application of submicrometric magnetic nanoporous carbons (µMNPCs) as sorbents for automated solid-phase extraction (SPE). Small zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 crystals are obtained at room temperature and directly carbonized under an inert atmosphere to obtain submicrometric nanoporous carbons containing magnetic cobalt nanoparticles. The µMNPCs have a high contact area, high stability, and their preparation is simple and cost-effective. The prepared µMNPCs are exploited as sorbents in a microcolumn format in a sequential injection analysis (SIA) system with online spectrophotometric detection, which includes a specially designed three-dimensional (3D)-printed holder containing an automatically actuated electromagnet. The combined action of permanent magnets and an automatically actuated electromagnet enabled the movement of the solid bed of particles inside the microcolumn, preventing their aggregation, increasing the versatility of the system, and increasing the preconcentration efficiency. The method was optimized using a full factorial design and Doehlert Matrix. The developed system was applied to the determination of anionic surfactants, exploiting the retention of the ion-pairs formed with Methylene Blue on the µMNPC. Using sodium dodecyl sulfate as a model analyte, quantification was linear from 50 to 1000 µg L(-1), and the detection limit was equal to 17.5 µg L(-1), the coefficient of variation (n = 8; 100 µg L(-1)) was 2.7%, and the analysis throughput was 13 h(-1). The developed approach was applied to the determination of anionic surfactants in water samples (natural water, groundwater, and wastewater), yielding recoveries of 93% to 110% (95% confidence level).

Automatic In-Syringe Dispersive Microsolid Phase Extraction Using Magnetic Metal-Organic Frameworks.

A novel automatic strategy for the use of micro- and nanomaterials as sorbents for dispersive microsolid phase extraction (D-µ-SPE) based on the lab-in-syringe concept is reported. Using the developed technique, the implementation of magnetic metal-organic framework (MOF) materials for automatic solid-phase extraction has been achieved for the first time. A hybrid material based on submicrometric MOF crystals containing Fe3O4 nanoparticles was prepared and retained in the surface of a miniature magnetic bar. The magnetic bar was placed inside the syringe of an automatic bidirectional syringe pump, enabling dispersion and subsequent magnetic retrieval of the MOF hybrid material by automatic activation/deactivation of magnetic stirring. Using malachite green (MG) as a model adsorption analyte, a limit of detection of 0.012 mg/L and a linear working range of 0.04-2 mg/L were obtained for a sample volume equal to the syringe volume (5 mL). MG preconcentration was linear up to a volume of 40 mL, obtaining an enrichment factor of 120. The analysis throughput is 18 h(-1), and up to 3000 extractions/g of material can be performed. Recoveries ranging between 95 and 107% were obtained for the analysis of MG in different types of water and trout fish samples. The developed automatic D-µ-SPE technique is a safe alternative for the use of small-sized materials for sample preparation and is readily implementable to other magnetic materials independent of their size and shape and can be easily hyphenated to the majority of detectors and separation techniques.

Controlling the adsorption enthalpy of CO(2) in zeolites by framework topology and composition.

Zeolites are often investigated as potential adsorbents for CO(2) adsorption and separation. Depending on the zeolite topology and composition (Si/Al ratio and extra-framework cations), the CO(2) adsorption heats at low coverages vary from -20 to -60 kJ mol(-1), and with increasing surface coverage adsorption heats either stay approximately constant or they quickly drop down. Experimental adsorption heats obtained for purely siliceous porous solids and for ion-exchanged zeolites of the structural type MFI, FER, FAU, LTA, TUN, IMF, and -SVR are discussed in light of results of periodic density functional theory calculations corrected for the description of dispersion interactions. Key factors influencing the stability of CO(2) adsorption complexes are identified and discussed at the molecular level. A general model for CO(2) adsorption in zeolites and related materials is proposed and data reported in literature are evaluated with regard to the proposed model.

Oxidation States of Copper Ions in ZSM-5 Zeolites. A Multitechnique Investigation.

The redox behavior of Cu/ZSM-5 zeolites prepared by ion exchange from Cu2+ aqueous solutions has been followed by a variety of spectroscopic techniques to provide a thorough picture of the so-called "self-reduction" of cupric ions, which occurs upon dehydration of the hydrated system at various temperatures, and of the reverse process of reoxidation as well. Conflicting hypotheses on both these processes are, in fact, present in the literature. The experimental techniques employed in this work are electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), IR, and optical spectroscopies, extended X-ray absorption fine structure, and X-ray absorption near-edge structure. The early stages of dehydration (from room temperature to about 470 K) involve cupric ion migration and formation of EPR silent moieties but no reduction to Cu+. The onset of this latter phenomenon starts at 470 K and, in the range 470-670 K, involves the majority of copper ions present in the system. Rehydration of Cu+-containing samples does not cause direct Cu+ oxidation to Cu2+ but favor this latter process when O2 is used as oxidant. Oxidation of Cu+ to Cu2+ by molecular oxygen, in fact, does not take place at room temperature if O2 is contacted with the dehydrated material but easily occurs when oxygen is adsorbed on rehydrated samples at the same temperature.