A Pyridine-Containing 3D Metal–Organic Framework for Iodine Capture

The effective capture of radioactive iodine (I2) is crucial for the sustainable development of nuclear energy. Functionalized metal–organic frameworks have demonstrated broad applicability in gas adsorption, with I2 capture receiving significant attention in recent studies. In this study, we report a pyridine-containing zinc-based MOF (Zn-MOF-bpe) synthesized via a straightforward one-step hydrothermal method. Benefiting from the nitrogen-rich pyridine functionalities, this material exhibits exceptional performance in vapor I2 adsorption with a capacity of 4.49 g g–1 at 75 °C. We investigated the thermal stability of Zn-MOF-bpe, along with its iodine adsorption performance under varying temperature and humidity conditions and its retention capacity and recyclability after I2 adsorption. The results demonstrate the material’s outstanding iodine capture performance. Furthermore, the Zn-MOF-bpe/PVP nanofiber membrane was successfully fabricated on porous Al2O3 ceramics using electrospinning technology, demonstrating its effective application in I2 adsorption. The incorporated nitrogen active sites not only enhance the interactions between the adsorbent and I2 but also facilitate the conversion of I2 to polyiodides. The outstanding adsorption performance of Zn-MOF-bpe provides a rational pathway for developing high-efficiency MOF-based I2 capture materials.