Non-derivatizing solvent assisted waste-derived cellulose/ MOF composite porous matrix for efficient metal ion removal: comprehensive analysis of batch and continuous packed-bed column sorption studies.

The use of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for wastewater treatment in continuous operation is a major challenge. To address this, the present study demonstrates the eco-friendly and economic synthesis of Ca-MOF immobilized cellulose beads (Ca-MOF-CB) derived from paper waste. The synthesized Ca-MOF-CB were characterized using standard analytical techniques. Batch sorption studies were performed to check the effect of cellulose composition (wt%), Ca-MOF loading, contact time, and initial metal ion (Pb 2+ , Cd 2+ , and Cu 2+ ) concentration. Ca-MOF-CB beads exhibited outstanding equilibrium sorption capacities for Pb 2+ , Cd 2+ , and Cu 2+ , with estimated values of 281.22 ± 7.8, 104.01 ± 10.58, and 114.21 ± 9.68 mg g -1 , respectively. Different non-linear isotherms and kinetic models were applied which confirmed the spontaneous, endothermic reactions for the physisorption of Pb 2+ , Cd 2+ , and Cu 2+ . Based on the highest equilibrium sorption capacity for Pb 2+ ion, in-depth parametric column studies were conducted in an indigenously developed packed-bed column set-up. The effect of packed-bed height (10 and 20 cm), inlet flow rate (5 and 10 mL min -1 ), and inlet Pb 2+ ion concentration (200, 300, and 500 mg L -1 ) were studied. The breakthrough curves obtained at different operating conditions were fitted with the empirical models viz. the bed depth service time (BDST), Yoon-Nelson, Thomas, and Yan to estimate the column design parameters. In order to determine the financial implications at large-scale industrial operations, an affordable synthesis cost of 1 kg of Ca-MOF-CB was estimated. Conclusively, the present study showed the feasibility of the developed Ca-MOF-CB for the continuous removal of metal ions at an industrial scale.