A robust MOF-based trap with high-density active alkyl thiol for the super-efficient capture of mercury.

The first Zr-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with high-density active alkyl thiol were successfully constructed in an aqueous phase. Thanks to the strong affinity between alkyl thiol and Hg2+ ions, the robust MOFs feature high adsorption capacity (734 mg g-1), ultra-fast kinetics (removing 99.99% Hg2+ in 5 min), super-high capture efficiency (dropping Hg2+ concentration from 10 000 ppb to 0.11 ppb), wide working range of pH, high selectivity and good reusability.