SiO2@Fe(III)-Based Metal-Organic Framework Core-Shell Microspheres for Water-Purification-Based Photo-Fenton Processes

In this study, SiO2@MIL-88A(Fe) core-shell microspheres were successfully synthesized through a simple immobilization method for dye degradation via an MIL-88A(Fe)-mediated Fenton-like process. These microspheres were fabricated by in situ immobilizing MIL-88A(Fe) onto mesoporous organosilane spheres functionalized with -COOH groups. Structural analyses and characterizations confirmed the formation of well-defined MOF particles anchored on the silicate microspheres, with electron microscopy verifying their porous core-shell structure. The newly developed core-shell materials achieved a high degree of dye degradation, reaching up to 96% for 10 mg/L dye solutions in neutral aqueous conditions within 30 min at room temperature through the Fenton-like process. Furthermore, SiO2@MIL-88A(Fe) exhibited excellent stability and recyclability, maintaining its performance over at least seven reuse cycles with minimal loss of activity. This material is easy to synthesize as well as cost-effective and demonstrates significant potential for wastewater purification involving a range of four different dyes.