The escalating issue of industrial dye pollution demands innovative and sustainable solutions for wastewater treatment. This study focuses on the synthesis and performance evaluation of a TiO₂@Cu-MOF nanocomposite as a high-efficiency photocatalyst for the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB), a toxic and recalcitrant synthetic dye. The material was fabricated through a simple one-step crystallization method, leveraging copper nitrate trihydrate as the metal source and incorporating TiO₂ into the Cu-MOF framework to enhance photocatalytic activity.
Structural and morphological analyses confirmed the successful formation of the composite. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns displayed characteristic peaks of both anatase TiO₂ (25.3°, 37.8°, 48°, 55.2°) and Cu-MOF (10°, 15°, 37°), with no evidence of impurity phases such as CuO or Cu₂O, indicating high purity after washing. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the surface of the TiO₂@Cu-MOF became significantly rougher compared to pure Cu-MOF, suggesting uniform deposition of TiO₂ nanoparticles on the MOF scaffold. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) further verified the presence of Cu, Ti, and O, with atomic percentages of 13.92%, 28.98%, and 57.1%, respectively, confirming effective integration.
Nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements demonstrated a notable increase in specific surface area from 425 m²/g (Cu-MOF) to 495.55 m²/g (TiO₂@Cu-MOF), accompanied by enhanced mesoporosity (2–50 nm). This improved porosity facilitates better diffusion of dye molecules and more efficient exposure of active sites. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed retention of key functional groups in the Cu-MOF structure, while the absence of strong Ti–O–Ti vibrations indicated that TiO₂ is primarily anchored via physical interactions rather than covalent bonding, preserving the integrity of the MOF framework.
Under optimal conditions—pH 6, catalyst dosage 0.3 g/L, initial RhB concentration 20 mg/L—the TiO₂@Cu-MOF composite achieved a decolorization rate of 98.14605-22-2 medchemexpress 03% within 120 minutes under visible and UV light.152044-54-7 IUPAC Name Kinetic modeling using the pseudo-first-order equation yielded an R² value of 0.98, confirming a consistent reaction mechanism. The rate constant reached 0.0144 min⁻¹, far exceeding those of individual components, highlighting the synergistic effect between TiO₂ and Cu-MOF.
The mechanism involves enhanced charge separation at the heterojunction interface, where photogenerated electrons transfer from TiO₂ to Cu-MOF, reducing recombination. Simultaneously, the porous structure promotes high adsorption capacity, concentrating RhB near active sites.PMID:29494119 Reactive oxygen species (ROS), including •OH and O₂•⁻, are generated and drive the oxidative breakdown of the dye’s chromophoric structure and aromatic ring.
Crucially, the catalyst exhibits excellent reusability. After four cycles, it retained 85.03% of its initial activity. FTIR analysis before and after use showed minimal changes in functional groups, confirming structural stability. The degradation process is predominantly chemical, not physical, as evidenced by irreversible color loss and spectral evolution.
In conclusion, the TiO₂@Cu-MOF nanocomposite is a highly effective, stable, and reusable photocatalyst for organic pollutant removal. Its high surface area, favorable pore architecture, and interfacial synergy make it a promising candidate for large-scale environmental applications. This work underscores the potential of MOF-based hybrid materials in addressing persistent water contamination challenges.MedChemExpress (MCE) offers a wide range of high-quality research chemicals and biochemicals (novel life-science reagents, reference compounds and natural compounds) for scientific use. We have professionally experienced and friendly staff to meet your needs. We are a competent and trustworthy partner for your research and scientific projects.Related websites: https://www.medchemexpress.com
