The urgent need for efficient and sustainable methods to remove synthetic dyes from industrial wastewater has driven research into advanced photocatalytic materials. This study reports the synthesis and comprehensive evaluation of a TiO₂@Cu-MOF nanocomposite designed for high-performance degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light irradiation. The composite was prepared via a one-step crystallization method using copper nitrate trihydrate as the Cu source and incorporating TiO₂ into the Cu-MOF framework to enhance photocatalytic activity.
Structural analysis confirmed successful integration. 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 morphology transitioned from smooth octahedra in pure Cu-MOF to a rough, heterogeneous structure in TiO₂@Cu-MOF, suggesting uniform deposition of TiO₂ nanoparticles on the MOF scaffold.497-30-3 medchemexpress Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) verified the presence of Cu, Ti, and O, with atomic percentages of 13.92%, 28.98%, and 57.1%, respectively, confirming effective elemental distribution.
Nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements showed a significant increase in specific surface area from 425 m²/g (Cu-MOF) to 495.55 m²/g (TiO₂@Cu-MOF). The isotherm followed a Type IV profile with a distinct hysteresis loop, indicating abundant mesopores (2–50 nm), which enhance mass transfer and provide numerous active sites. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the preservation of key functional groups in the Cu-MOF framework, while the absence of strong Ti–O–Ti or Ti–O–C vibrations suggested that TiO₂ is primarily anchored through physical interactions, preserving the structural integrity of the MOF.
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 98.03% within 120 minutes. Kinetic modeling fitted the pseudo-first-order equation with R² = 0.98, yielding a rate constant of 0.0144 min⁻¹, significantly higher than those of individual components. This enhancement is attributed to the formation of a heterojunction interface, which promotes efficient electron transfer from TiO₂ to Cu-MOF, thereby reducing charge recombination and prolonging the lifetime of reactive species.
The degradation mechanism involves the generation of hydroxyl radicals (•OH) and superoxide ions (O₂•⁻), which attack the chromophoric group and aromatic ring of RhB, leading to deethylation, ring opening, and eventual mineralization. FTIR analysis before and after reaction confirmed irreversible chemical transformation, ruling out physical adsorption as the primary mechanism.564-25-0 IUPAC Name
Crucially, the catalyst demonstrated excellent reusability.PMID:25905180 After four cycles, it retained 85.03% of its original activity. Post-reaction FTIR spectra remained largely unchanged, indicating robust structural stability. No significant metal leaching was detected, further supporting durability.
In conclusion, the TiO₂@Cu-MOF nanocomposite is a highly effective, stable, and reusable photocatalyst for organic pollutant degradation. Its high surface area, enhanced charge separation, and favorable pore structure make it a promising candidate for practical applications in dye-laden wastewater treatment. This work advances the design of hybrid MOF-based materials for environmental sustainability.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
