Multifunctional MOFs-modified composite papers for antibacterial, UV resistance and dye selective removal

Multifunctional paper-based materials have garnered significant attention due to the environmental friendliness, biodegradability, and low cost. Nevertheless, the facile synthesis of such materials has remained a challenge in this field. Herein, we developed novel multifunctional cobalt-based metal-organic frameworks (Co-MOFs) modified composite papers (Co-MOFs/CMFP) through chemical crosslinking between Co-MOFs and carboxy-methylated filter paper (CMFP) substrates. The Co-MOFs were in situ synthesized on the CMFP via the solvothermal method. The properties of the Co-MOFs/CMFP composites, particularly their mechanical strength, UV resistance, and antibacterial performance, were systematically investigated. Tensile testing demonstrated that the composites possess exceptional mechanical properties, achieving a remarkable tensile strength exceeding 9.00 MPa. Moreover, the composites exhibited good UV blocking capability, with the transmittance of < 7 %. Notably, benefiting from the loading of Co-MOFs, the composite materials exhibited remarkable antibacterial effects, laying a foundation for their potential applications in the biomedical field. Additionally, the composite papers as filter membranes can effectively capture cationic dyes, with the methylene blue removal rate of > 93.5 %, indicating their potential application in the field of water purification. This study not only offers innovative strategies to overcome MOFs flexibility limitations, but also provides guidance for the development of multifunctional paper-based materials. • Two flexible Co-MOFs/CMFP were fabricated through an in-situ synthesis method. • Co-MOFs were uniformly and tightly bonded on flexible cellulose papers substrate. • The composites displayed excellent antibacterial activity and low cytotoxicity. • The composite papers exhibited selective removal of cationic dyes.