Zirconium(IV) Metal Organic Frameworks with Highly Selective Sorption for Diclofenac under Batch and Continuous Flow Conditions

Abstract

Diclofenac (DCF) is among the most effective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and at the same time one of the most consumed drugs worldwide. Since the ever-increasing use of diclofenac poses serious threats to ecosystems, its substantial removal is crucial. To address this issue, a variety of sorbents have been employed. Herein we present the diclofenac removal properties of two metal organic frameworks, namely [Zr6O4(OH)4(NH2BDC)6]·xH2O (MOR-1) and H16[Zr6O16(H2PATP)4]·xH2O (MOR-2). Batch studies revealed fast sorption kinetics for removal of DCF− from water as well as particularly high selectivity for the drug vs. common competitive species. Moreover, the composite MOR-1-alginic acid material was utilized in a sorption column, displaying remarkable removal efficiency towards DCF− anions. Significantly, this is the first time that column sorption data for removal of NSAIDs using MOF-based materials is reported.