Efficient Adsorption of Hg(II) Ions Benefits from the Synergistic Effect between Sulfur-Containing MOF-808 and C3N4

This study presents a groundbreaking composite adsorbent, STB@MOF-808-SH, developed through the innovative amalgamation of thiol-functionalized metal-organic framework material (MOF-808-SH) with sulfur-doped C3N4 tubular bundles (STB), targeting the effective elimination of toxic mercury [Hg(II)] ions from polluted water. Our investigation explores crucial determinants of the adsorption process, including pH, initial Hg(II) concentration, and the impact of coexisting ions, while revealing the significant enhancement in mercury ion removal efficiency and adsorption capacity due to the synergistic interaction between STB and MOF-808-SH. Remarkably, under optimal conditions at pH 4.0, STB@MOF-808-SH achieves a removal rate of 91.35% and an impressive adsorption capacity of 228.38 mg/g. These outcomes suggest that the development of the STB@MOF-808-SH composite adsorbent introduces a novel and efficacious approach to tackling water pollution issues, highlighting its potential as a cost-effective and efficient solution for the remediation of toxic Hg(II) ions in wastewater.