Metal-organic frameworks for adsorption of liquid phase compounds

Abstract

The present invention provides a metal-organic framework (MOF) for use in removing particular chemical species or compounds from a liquid. In particular, the present invention provides an MOF having a molecular formula of Zr6(μ3-O)4(μ3OH)4(OH)4(H2O)4(TBAPy)2, wherein TBAPy is 1,3,6,8-tetrakis (p-benzoic-acid)pyrene, (known as NU-1000) for use in complexing selenate or selenite from a liquid or liquid stream. Further, the selenium based oxy-anions are removed to concentrations below that specified for wastewater discharge by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for flue gas desulfurization operations in the fossil fueled electric power generation industry. Such water treatment results are achieved even in the presence of competing sulfate anion challenges and at elevated temperatures comparable to condensate cooling water.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.