Imine-based covalent organic framework gels for efficient removal of Fe2+ from contaminated water

COF gels show promise for removing iron from water

Cristina Arqueros, Lorena Welte, Carmen Montoro, Felix Zamora

Excess iron in water can contribute to deposits, scaling and corrosion in distribution systems and industrial facilities. A study published in Journal of Materials Chemistry A explores a possible way to remove dissolved iron before reverse osmosis treatment.

The researchers prepared two covalent organic frameworks (COFs), TAPB-PDA-COF and TAPB-DHTA-COF, as gels at room temperature. Their porous structures captured Fe²⁺ rapidly: the materials showed substantial uptake within five minutes of contact under the tested conditions. The team also incorporated the COFs into polysulfone beads, creating a form that can be handled and removed more easily after treatment.

The findings point to a promising route for developing practical iron adsorbents. Further work will be needed to assess performance and reuse in larger water treatment systems.

Read the article: https://zenodo.org/records/17366988