Effect of mineralizing agents on the adsorption performance of metal–organic framework MIL-100(Fe) towards chromium(VI)

•Na2CO3 was firstly introduced as mineralizing agent in the synthesis of MIL-100(Fe).•MIL-100(Fe) prepared using Na2CO3 showed improved qualities and higher adsorption capacity for Cr(VI) than its counterparts.•The adsorption of Cr(VI) on MIL-100(Fe)_Na2CO3 conformed to physical adsorption.•MIL-100(Fe)_Na2CO3 was well regenerated for Cr(VI) adsorption.