Rapid, Selective Extraction of Silver from Complex Water Matrices with a Metal–Organic Framework/Oligomer Composite Constructed via Supercritical CO₂

Abstract

Every year vast quantities of silver are lost in various waste streams; this, combined with its limited, diminishing supply and rising demand, makes silver recovery of increasing importance. Thus, herein, we report a controllable, green process to produce a host of highly porous metal-organic framework (MOF)/oligomer composites using supercritical carbon dioxide (ScCO₂ ) as a medium. One resulting composite, referred to as MIL-127/Poly-o-phenylenediamine (PoPD), has an excellent Ag⁺ adsorption capacity, removal efficiency (>99 %) and provides rapid Ag⁺ extraction in as little as 5 min from complex liquid matrices. Notably, the composite can also reduce sliver concentrations below the levels (<0.1 ppm) established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Using theoretical simulations, we find that there are spatially ordered polymeric units inside the MOF that promote the complexation of Ag⁺ over other common competing ions. Moreover, the oligomer is able to reduce silver to its metallic state, also providing antibacterial properties.