Post-functionalization of UiO-66-NH 2 by 2,5-Dimercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole for the high efficient removal of Hg(II) in water.

•A new adsorbent was prepared by post-functionalization of Zr-based MOFs with DMTD.•The post-functionalized UiO-66-NH2 has excellent reusability and selectivity adsorption for Hg(II).•The actual maximum adsorption capacity of Hg(II) by UiO-66-DMTD was 670.5 mg/g.•The mechanism is the complexation reaction between thiol/nitrogen-containing functional groups and Hg(II).