Synthesis and Application of Zn‑BTC/GO Nanocomposites as Highly Efficient Photocatalysts in the Dye Degradation

Abstract

Nanocomposite Zn-BTC/GO (BTC: benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic, GO: graphene oxide) was successfully synthesized by hydrothermal treatment with a microwave method. Samples were characterized by XRD, FTIR, EDS-mapping, BET, SEM, UV-vis DRS and XPS. SEM-image result showed nano Zn-BTC/GO particles size of 50-80 nm. Nanocomposite Zn-BTC/GO showed the a high surface area (1303 m2/g) and pore volume (1.08 cm3/g). The Zn-BTC/GO nanocomposite were tested for the photocatalytic degradation of reactive dye (Reactive Red 195) in an aqueous solution. The Zn-BTC/GO composites exhibited high photocatalytic activity. Thus, at the pH of 6.5 and the high initial concentration of 30 mg RR-195/L, removal efficiency reached the value of 96.16% after 60 min reaction. Moreover, nano Zn-BTC also showed high RR-195 removal efficiency after 3 catalytic regeneration. This contributes to sustainable development and green chemistry.