ZIF-8/MS Hybrid Sponge Via Secondary Growth for Efficient Removal of Pb(II) and Cu(II)

In recent years, the surge in industrialization and urbanization has led to the release of a significant amount of heavy metal ions into water. These ions, when present in drinking water, can enter the human body and cause irreversible health problem. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have drawn considerable attention for their outstanding ability to remove these heavy metal ions. However, MOF powders tend to aggregate in water, reducing their adsorption efficiency and potentially leading to secondary environmental pollution. In this regard, the development of MOF composites that are highly adsorptive, recyclable, and maintain stable dispensability in water is crucial for heavy metal ions removal. Herein, the in situ growth of zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) on melamine sponge (MS) using a secondary growth method is reported. The resultant composite sponges exhibit high efficiency in adsorbing Pb(II) and Cu(II) from water and maintain good reusability. These findings offer a promising method in efficiently eliminating Pb(II) and Cu(II) from aqueous solutions.