Synergistic adsorption–photocatalysis over MIL-101(Fe) under simulated solar irradiation: mechanistic insights and real textile wastewater treatment
RSC Advances, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1039/d6ra03219b
- Journal Name: RSC Advances
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Chemical Abstracts Core, Compendex, Directory of Open Access Journals
- Kocaeli University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
The development of efficient and practical strategies for industrial wastewater treatment remains a significant environmental challenge. In this study, a simulated solar irradiation-responsive MIL-101(Fe) metal–organic framework was investigated as a synergistic adsorption–photocatalysis system under simulated solar irradiation. Unlike conventional studies limited to model pollutants, particular emphasis was placed on performance evaluation in real textile wastewater. The system achieved a significant reduction in permanganate index (PMn) from 62.7 to 40.8 mg O2 L−1, indicating partial mineralization of oxidizable organic species. Model experiments using methylene blue confirmed high activity (≈90% degradation within 120 min), following pseudo-first-order kinetics (k = 0.0180 min−1). Scavenger studies identified photogenerated holes (h+) and hydroxyl radicals (˙OH) as the dominant reactive species, with superoxide radicals (O2˙−) playing a secondary role. The catalyst maintained ≈94% of its initial activity after four cycles, demonstrating good stability. The reduced efficiency observed in real wastewater (≈25%) highlights the influence of complex matrix components such as competing ions and radical scavengers. Overall, this study demonstrates that MIL-101(Fe) is a promising low-cost material for polishing-stage wastewater treatment, bridging the gap between laboratory photocatalysis and real environmental applications.