Preparation of novel ZIF-8 aerogel adsorbent based on cellulose and the application of Cu (II) removal from wastewater

A novel adsorbent (ZIF-8 cattail cellulose aerogel, ZCCA) with excellent adsorption performance was prepared using cellulose as a dispersant of ZIF-8 and applied to Cu(II) removal from wastewater. ZCCA showed an irregular network structure, which was uniformly filled with ZIF-8 particles. Its adsorption mechanism was the electrostatic attraction and chemical coordination of Cu(II). This adsorption process followed the Pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum adsorption capacity was 270.2 mg⋅g−1 at 303 K. In addition, the removal efficiency remained 83 % after 5 adsorption–desorption cycles. ZCCA showed outstanding adsorption performance and high potential in practical application.