Self-assembly of metal-polyphenolic network on biomass for enhanced organic contaminant capturing from water with a high cost-to-benefit ratio

Nanomaterials present a vast potential as functional materials in environmental engineering. However, there are challenges with nanocomplex for recyclability, reliable/stable, and scale-up industrial integration. Here, a versatile, low-cost, stable and recycled easily metal-polyphenolic-based material carried by wood powder (bioCar-MPNs) adsorption platform was nano-engineered by a simple, fast self-assembly strategy, in which wood powder is an excellent substrate serving as a scaffold and stabilizer to prevent the nanocomplex from aggregating and is easier to recycle. Life cycle analysis highlights a green preparation process and environmental sustainability for bioCar-MPNs. The metal-polyphenolic nanocomplex coated on the wood surface in bioCar-MPNs presents a remarkable surface adsorption property (1829.4mg/g) at a low cost (2.4 US dollars per 1000g bioCar-MPNs) for organic dye. Quartz crystal microbalance analysis (QCM) demonstrates an existing strong affinity between polyphenols and organic dyes. Furthermore, Independent Gradient Model (IGM) and Hirshfeld surface analysis reveal the presence of the electrostatic interactions, π-π interactions, and hydrogen bonding. Meanwhile, adsorption efficiency of bioCar-MPNs maintains over 95% in the presence of co-existing ions (Na+, 0.5M). Importantly, the reasonable utilization of biomass for water treatment can contribute to achieving the high-value and resource utilization of biomass materials. Environmental Implication A significant portion of organic pollutants released by such industries pose serious threats to aquatic organisms and human health. This work constructed a low-cost, stable, and recycled easily MPN cargo carried by wood powder (referred to as bioCar-MPNs) adsorption platform through a metal-polyphenolic network (MPN) formed by polyphenolic coordinated with Fe3+ on the poplar powder waste. The bioCar-MPNs present a strong affinity with various organic dyes, which enhanced the removal of the dye from wastewater. Life cycle assessment and economic analysis indicate the low environmental impact and high enough cost-to-benefit ratio of bioCar-MPNs for wastewater treatment.