Simultaneous adsorption-catalysis process for methylene blue removal using MOF-Fe/GNPs composites

Abstract

In this study, graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were combined with iron-organic framework materials using the ultrasonic method in a water/ethanol solvent. The resulting composite material had a clear crystalline morphology with a size range of 200 to 400 nm. The MOF-Fe particle grew in a particular order on GNPs, forming a uniform structure. The XRD diagram confirmed the presence of GNPs and MOF-Fe, with peaks at 21.103o and 26.728o assigned to GNPs, and peaks at 5.423o and 11.015o typical for MOF-Fe. The BET model estimated the surface area of MOF-Fe/GNPs at 441 m2/g. The composite showed high efficiency in treating chromogenic organic compounds through simultaneous adsorption and photocatalysis. Specifically, the material achieved over 80% methylene blue removal via adsorption mechanism after 2 hours, and 100% removal with simultaneous adsorption-photocatalysis treatment mechanism.