Bionanocomposite based on immobilization of Burkholderia cepacian on GO/MOF and its removal of malachite green from river water

Bio-nanocomposites have attracted increasing research attention because they are able to integrate bio- and nano-related functions, and subsequently demonstrate potentially beneficial environmental applications. Here, a functional bionanomaterial based on Burkholderia cepacian (FZ) immobilized on GO/ZIF-8 was developed and used to remove malachite green (MG), with functions based on both biodegradation and adsorption. XRD and FTIR results showed that in situ production of GO/ZIF-8 by combining Zn2+ in ZIF-8 with the carboxyl group on the GO surface, led to FZ immobilized in GO/ZIF-8 through covalent bonding. Zeta analysis showed that the surface of FZ and GO/ZIF-8 had different charges under pH = 9.12, suggesting immobilization also occurred via electrostatic action. BET results confirmed that the specific surface area of GO/ZIF-8 was much larger than that of GO and ZIF-8, but the reduced specific surface area of FZ@GO/ZIF-8 could be due to FZ loading on its surface. The efficiency of FZ@GO/ZIF-8 in the removal of MG reached 99% and furthermore retained good stability after five cycles. The efficiency in removing multiple ions in river water reached more than 80%, which is evidence strongly suggesting that FZ@GO/ZIF-8 is an environmental bionanomaterial with effective application potential.