An efficient synthesis and characterization of La@MOF-808: A promising strategy for effective arsenic ion removal from water

Addressing serious waterborne arsenic issues, for the first time, lanthanum-doped MOF-808 (La@MOF-808) has been developed to remove total arsenic (Total As) and arsenite [As(III)] from water. This study involves the solvothermal synthesis of La@MOF-808, its characterization via FTIR, XRD, TGA, and SEM, in which distinct physicochemical attributes were identified, and the adsorption capacity of arsenic ions. The saturated adsorption capacity of La@MOF-808 for Total As and As(III) reached 282.9 mg g(−1) and 283.5 mg g(−1), as compared to 229.7 mg g(−1) and 239.1 mg g(−1) for pristine MOF-808, respectively. XRD and ATR-FTIR analyses underscored the central roles of electrostatic interactions and hydroxyl groups in the pollutant adsorption process. The impact of temperature, concentration, pH, and exposure duration times on adsorption performance was thoroughly investigated. The Langmuir model showed the maximum adsorption capacities (q(max)) of La@MOF-808 was 307.7 mg g(−1) for Total As and 325.7 mg g(−1) for As(III), surpassing those of MOF-808 adsorbent, which suggests that monolayer adsorption occurred. Optimal adsorption was observed in a pH range of 2.0–7.0, and thermodynamic studies classified the process as spontaneous and endothermic. The adsorbent retains high capacity across repeated cycles, outperforming many standard adsorbents. Lanthanum doping markedly enhances MOF-808's arsenic removal, underscoring its potential for water treatment.