UiO-66(Zr)-derived t-zirconia with abundant lattice defect for remarkably enhanced arsenic removal

Zirconium oxide (ZrO₂) exhibits great potential in the remediation of arsenic-polluted water. In this study, tetragonal zirconium oxide (t-ZrO₂) with high lattice defects was facilely fabricated by regulating the Zr-metal-organic framework (MOF) (UiO-66) with sodium acetate modulator and examined to adsorb arsenic from water. Benefitting from the synergistic effects of mesopores structure and lattice defect, t-ZrO₂ exhibited ultrahigh adsorption capacity and faster kinetics towards both arsenate (As(V)) and arsenite (As(III)). The Langmuir adsorption capacity for As(V) and As(III) of 147.5 mg g⁻¹ and 352.1 mg g⁻¹ on t-ZrO₂ in exothermic process, respectively, significantly outperforming reported counterparts in literature (generally ≤100 mg g⁻¹). The faster adsorption kinetic of both As(III) and As(V) on t-ZrO₂ is defined favorably by the pseudo-second-order model over a wide pH (3–11). Furthermore, arsenic is mainly captured by t-ZrO₂ via forming Zr–O–As bonds through occupying coordinatively unsaturated zirconium atoms adsorption sites revealed by the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectrum and Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) spectra analysis. This study offers a new strategy for designing ultrahigh performance Zr-MOF-derived adsorbents for capturing arsenic.