Rapid and Efficient Degradation of Ceftiofur Sodium by 5,6-Dimethylbenzimidazole-Modified ZIF(Fe/Co)x@CNF Nanocomposites

The exploration of transforming various metals as metal sources into metal organic frameworks (MOFs) has attracted considerable attention in recent years. This study used triethylamine and 5,6-dimethylbenzimidazole (DMBIM) to modify the iron-doped cobalt zeolite imidazole framework on carbon fiber structure. The results showed that the ZIF(Fe/Co)1.25@CNF exhibited high CEF removal efficiency that over 97% of ceftiofur sodium (CEF) was removed within 10 min, which was significantly higher than that of the common ZIF-67 materials. Compared with other ZIF-67 composites, ZIF(Fe/Co)x@CNF has a larger specific surface area, resulting in a larger contact area and more active sites during the reaction. After the introduction of DMBIM, the ZIF(Fe/Co)1.25@CNF not only easily separated from the solution but also enhanced the hydrophobicity, which provided higher catalytic stability and catalytic performance. In addition, the effects of different catalyst ratios, pollutant concentrations, solution pH, and different radicals (•OH, SO4•−, 1O2) on the activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) were investigated. The mechanism of degradation was elucidated by electron paramagnetic resonance experiments. This study provides a new perspective for the preparation of high-performance MOF catalysts with excellent catalytic performance and may facilitate the application of MOF materials in more practical situations.