Enhanced photocatalysis using metal-organic framework MIL-101(Fe) for crude oil degradation in oil-polluted water

A stable metal-organic framework (MOF), MIL-101(Fe), was successfully synthesised using a solvothermal method and employed as a novel photocatalyst for degrading crude oil in oilfield wastewater. Through optimisation of reaction conditions, the following optimal parameters were determined: a dark reaction time of 30 min, a light reaction time of 30 min, a pH of 5.5, a catalyst amount of 150 mg/L, and a reaction temperature of 303.15 K. Under these reaction conditions, an impressive removal of 94.73% was achieved. This study represents the first application of Fe-based MOFs in the photocatalytic degradation of oilfield wastewater. MIL-101(Fe) notably demonstrated excellent stability under mild acid conditions and can be efficiently recycled. These findings offer valuable insights into using MIL-101(Fe) as a promising material for industrial applications in removing crude oil from oil-polluted water through photocatalytic degradation.