An
outstanding metal–organic framework sorbent (Zn-MOF)
was prepared using Zn2+ and 3-amino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole
to eliminate toxic metal ions from water. Zn-MOF was detected via
using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, field-emission
scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller
(BET) analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Zn-MOF
is stable and has a very large surface area. The uptake properties
of Zn-MOF were investigated. The maximum uptake capacity of Zn-MOF
for Pb, Hg, and As ions was 1097, 32, and 718 mg/g, respectively.
This was obtained at pH = 4, 5, and 6, respectively. The adsorption
data is in good agreement with the Langmuir and pseudo-second-order
rate models, indicating that the uptake process of Zn-MOF for toxic
metal ions was a single layer uptake on a uniform surface via exchange
of valence electrons. Thermodynamics shows that the uptake process
is autogenic and endothermic. Zn-MOF can be reused at least 6 times.
Mercury and lead strongly coordinated with Zn-MOF. The interaction
between arsenic and Zn-MOF is weak chemical coordination and ion exchange.
Zn-MOF has wide application prospects for toxic metal ion elimination.