Peroxymonosulfate Activation by Different Synthesized CuFe-MOFs: Application for Dye, Drugs, and Pathogen Removal

In this study, three CuFe-MOFs were successfully synthesized by a solvothermal process by changing the ratio of solvents, salts, or temperature. These MOFs named CuFe(BDC-NH2)(R), CuFe(BDC-NH2)(S), and CuFe(BDC-NH2)(D) showed rod-shaped, spindle-like, and diamond-like structures, respectively. The CuFe(BDC-NH2)(D) and CuFe(BDC-NH2)(S) were found to exhibit an improved PMS activation for Rhodamine B removal attaining levels around 92%. Their effective removal capability was investigated as a function of the pH, catalyst dosage, and the effect of the application of UV radiation. The best degradation system was photo-assisted activation of PMS when CuFe(BDC-NH2)(D) and CuFe(BDC-NH2)(S) were used. Under these conditions, the degradation of a mixture of antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drugs (sulfamethoxazole and antipyrine) was evaluated with the results revealing the total degradation of both drugs after 1 h. A higher antibacterial activity was attained with the system CuFe(BDC-NH2)(R)/PMS due to the high copper content with respect to the others.