MOF-like zirconium-doped prussian blue decorated microporous membranes for efficient arsenate (V) capture from wastewater

As (V) poses significant environmental and health risks due to its toxicity, making efficient wastewater treatment technologies essential. In this study, we introduce a novel composite material: MOF-like zirconium (Zr)-doped Prussian blue (PB) analogs decorated on polytetrafluoroethylene microporous membranes (Zr-PBAs x -PDA/PEI-M) for As (V) adsorption. Comprehensive characterization techniques, confirmed the successful incorporation of Zr into PB crystals and its growth on the membrane surface through PDA/PEI interlayers. We systematically explored the effects of varying Fe-Zr modification ratios, finding that Zr-PBAs 3 -PDA/PEI-M (Fe: Zr = 2:3) exhibited the optimal performance for As (V) removal and adsorption capacity, with a more intact and densely distributed crystal structure. It demonstrated that Zr-O bonding plays a crucial role in the adsorption mechanism, forming a double-dentate mononuclear structure with As (V). Moreover, the Zr-PBAs 3 -PDA/PEI-M’s adsorption capacity of As (V) was comprehensively assessed by key factors such as temperature, pH, operating pressure, natural organic matter (NOM), and initial As (V) concentration during wastewater treatment, which exhibited the excellent resistance to interference in removing As (V). Remarkably, Zr-PBAs 3 -PDA/PEI-M retained its high adsorption capacity across three cycles of reuse, highlighting its excellent stability and reusability. When tested on simulated Pearl River water samples containing As (V), the material achieved filtrate concentrations well below 0.5 mg/L, in compliance with China’s Comprehensive Wastewater Discharge Standard. This study presents a promising solution for efficient As (V) removal in wastewater, offering practical insights into its potential application for real-world water treatment challenges.