UiO-66-NDC (1,4-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid): A versatile metal-organic framework-based catalyst for photocatalytic degradation of dye chemicals

Abstract

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have received significant attention for their use as photocatalysts and photocatalyst supports. These materials have several benefits, including stability, catalyst reusability, tunability, and the capacity for post-reaction separation. Here, the potential applications of UiO-66-NDC as a photocatalyst for the degradation of reactive orange 16 (RO16), methyl orange (MO), and rhodamine B (RhB) were investigated. UiO-66-NDC was chosen for photocatalytic dye degradation due to its large surface area, adjustable characteristics, stability, effective light absorption, capacity for charge separation, and adaptability in design. UiO-66-NDC was synthesized the solvothermal process and its solid-state structure was characterized by solid-state methods, including UV-DRS, FTIR, zeta potential, PXRD and SEM measurements. The photocatalytic studies were performed by subjecting dye solutions with certain concentrations to UVA light irradiation in the presence of UiO66-NDC. UV -Vis. spectroscopy was used to monitor the degradation process, which made it possible to calculate the degradation rate constants and the percentage of dye removal. The removal efficiency of adsorption, which was also examined, was at a minimum (17 % for RO16, 48 % for MO, and 25 % for RhB). The degradation of the dyes by UiO-66-NDC showed excellent photocatalytic activity, with degradation rates for RO16, MO, and RhB of 91 %, 93 %, and 81 %, respectively (300 mg/L catalyt; 20 ppm dye conc.). It was determined that the optimal concentration of catalyst was 300 mg/L. The reusability of UiO-66-NDC was successfully demonstrated through five successive cycles. The center dot OH radical was identified as the active species in photocatalysis. It was possible to remove 97 % of RO16, 99 % of MO, and 95 % of RhB at a high starting dye concentration (15 mg/L).