Post by Farshad Raji

I am pleased to share our recent publication in the journal Separation and Purification Technology, entitled “Engineering‑oriented microreactor synthesis of MIL‑88A(Fe) for paraquat removal from wastewater: integration of process design with adsorption performance.” This work focuses on developing a continuous microreactor strategy for the controlled synthesis of the iron‑based metal–organic framework MIL‑88A(Fe) and evaluating its performance as an adsorbent for the removal of paraquat, a highly toxic and persistent herbicide frequently detected in agricultural wastewater. A central aspect of this study is the engineering‑oriented design of a continuous microreactor platform for MOF synthesis. Unlike conventional batch synthesis methods, the microreactor approach enables precise control over mixing, mass transfer, and reaction conditions within microchannels. To better understand and optimize the process, the microreactor geometry and flow behavior were analyzed using COMSOL Multiphysics simulations, which provided detailed insights into concentration distributions and pressure profiles throughout the system.  The synthesized MIL‑88A(Fe) was characterized using XRD, FTIR, SEM, BET‑BJH, and TGA analyses, confirming the successful formation of a crystalline structure with suitable stability and porous properties. The adsorption performance of the material was then investigated for paraquat removal from aqueous solutions. Thermodynamic analysis further indicated that the adsorption process is spontaneous and exothermic (ΔH° = −11.45 kJ·mol⁻¹), and regeneration experiments demonstrated stable performance over five adsorption–desorption cycles. Overall, this study highlights the potential of continuous microreactor synthesis as an effective strategy for producing MOFs with controlled properties, while simultaneously linking process engineering with adsorption performance. The findings suggest that microreactor technology can provide a promising pathway toward the scalable production of MOF materials for environmental remediation applications, particularly in the treatment of pesticide‑contaminated agricultural wastewater. DOI: https://lnkd.in/ewGZS7Gt