Modular Functionalization of Metal-Organic Frameworks for Nitrogen Recovery from Fresh Urine

Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2023 Sep 25;62(39):e202309258. doi: 10.1002/anie.202309258. Epub 2023 Aug 18.

Abstract

Nitrogen recovery from wastewater represents a sustainable route to recycle reactive nitrogen (Nr). It can reduce the demand of producing Nr from the energy-extensive Haber-Bosch process and lower the risk of causing eutrophication simultaneously. In this aspect, source-separated fresh urine is an ideal source for nitrogen recovery given its ubiquity and high nitrogen contents. However, current techniques for nitrogen recovery from fresh urine require high energy input and are of low efficiencies because the recovery target, urea, is a challenge to separate. In this work, we developed a novel fresh urine nitrogen recovery treatment process based on modular functionalized metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Specifically, we employed three distinct modification methods to MOF-808 and developed robust functional materials for urea hydrolysis, ammonium adsorption, and ammonia monitoring. By integrating these functional materials into our newly developed nitrogen recovery treatment process, we achieved an average of 75 % total nitrogen reduction and 45 % nitrogen recovery with a 30-minute treatment of synthetic fresh urine. The nitrogen recovery process developed in this work can serve as a sustainable and efficient nutrient management that is suitable for decentralized wastewater treatment. This work also provides a new perspective of implementing versatile advanced materials for water and wastewater treatment.

Keywords: Metal-Organic Frameworks; Nitrogen Recovery; Renewable Resources; Urine; Waste Prevention.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Ammonia
  • Metal-Organic Frameworks*
  • Nitrogen
  • Urea
  • Wastewater

Substances

  • Metal-Organic Frameworks
  • Nitrogen
  • Ammonia
  • Wastewater
  • Urea