A Pyridine-Containing 3D Metal–Organic Framework for Iodine Capture

The effective capture of radioactive iodine (I₂) is crucial for the sustainable development of nuclear energy. Functionalized metal-organic frameworks have demonstrated broad applicability in gas adsorption, with I₂ capture receiving significant attention in recent studies. In this study, we report a pyridine-containing zinc-based MOF (Zn-MOF-bpe) synthesized via a straightforward one-step hydrothermal method. Benefiting from the nitrogen-rich pyridine functionalities, this material exhibits exceptional performance in vapor I₂ adsorption with a capacity of 4.49 g g^-1 at 75 °C. We investigated the thermal stability of Zn-MOF-bpe, along with its iodine adsorption performance under varying temperature and humidity conditions and its retention capacity and recyclability after I₂ adsorption. The results demonstrate the material's outstanding iodine capture performance. Furthermore, the Zn-MOF-bpe/PVP nanofiber membrane was successfully fabricated on porous Al₂O₃ ceramics using electrospinning technology, demonstrating its effective application in I₂ adsorption. The incorporated nitrogen active sites not only enhance the interactions between the adsorbent and I₂ but also facilitate the conversion of I₂ to polyiodides. The outstanding adsorption performance of Zn-MOF-bpe provides a rational pathway for developing high-efficiency MOF-based I₂ capture materials.