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This summer research project focused on synthesizing metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), specifically MOF-525, to address the environmental challenge posed by harmful azo-dyes improperly disposed of in water bodies. Azo-dyes, commonly used in industries like textiles, contain azo groups (-N=N-) that are highly toxic and can significantly harm aquatic ecosystems and human health when not managed properly.
MOFs are porous materials composed of metal ions or clusters linked by organic connectors, creating a three-dimensional network. In this study, MOF-525 was utilized to adsorb methyl orange, an example of an azo-dye, from solution. The effectiveness of MOF-525 was evaluated using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, which allowed for a quantitative assessment of the MOF’s ability to remove dyes. By adjusting the amounts of MOF-525 and the concentration of methyl orange, the research demonstrated that MOF-525 functions as a "molecular sponge," effectively removing methyl orange from solution.
This research highlights the potential of MOFs like MOF-525 to revolutionize environmental protection and water purification by providing an efficient means of removing toxic azo-dyes from contaminated water. The next step in this research will be to degrade the azo-dyes into non-toxic byproducts within the MOF structure using electrochemistry.