Growth of coordination polymer nanoparticles on the surface of filter paper as an efficient adsorbent for methylene blue removal

In this research, Co-BDC coordination polymer nanoparticles were grown on the surface of cellulose-based substrate (filter paper). First, filter paper is functionalized with chloroacetic acid in alkaline media and COO‒ groups are placed on its surface. The grafting process is facilitated by surface functionalization of the cellulose fibers, and terminal carboxylate groups act as appropriate sites to coordinate Co(II) ions. By adding benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid (H2-BDC) rapid nucleation on the porous support surface is began and coverage of coordination polymer on the surface of the filter paper is confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The functionalized filter paper with coordination polymer nanoparticles is used as an adsorbent which demonstrated rapid and effective removal of methylene blue (MB) (82% after 60 min). This approach delineates an efficient pathway toward grafting the water stable Co-BDC on the filter paper with potential far-reaching applications such as dye removal from aqueous solutions.