Synthesis and Characterization of Highly Efficient Cu-BTC MOF, ([Cu<sub>3</sub>(C<sub>9</sub>H<sub>3</sub>O<sub>6</sub>)<sub>2</sub>].<sub>3</sub>H<sub>2</sub>O{18H<sub>2</sub>O}) Photocatalyst for the Adsorptive Transformation of Coloured Organic Pollutants in Water

Abstract

Photocatalysis has garnered significant attention for its potential in environmental remediation, energy conversion, and sustainable chemistry. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising photocatalytic materials due to their tunable structures, high surface areas, and unique optical properties. Among them, a newly synthesized copper-benzene-1, 3, 5-tricarboxylic acid (Cu-BTC) MOF, [Cu<sub>3</sub>(C<sub>9</sub>H<sub>3</sub>O<sub>6</sub>)<sub>2</sub>].<sub>3</sub>H<sub>2</sub>O{18H<sub>2</sub>O} has shown remarkable potential as a photocatalyst. In this work, the synthesis and characterization of a novel [Cu<sub>3</sub>(C<sub>9</sub>H<sub>3</sub>O<sub>6</sub>)<sub>2</sub>].<sub>3</sub>H<sub>2</sub>O{18H<sub>2</sub>O} for its photocatalytic applications is described. The synthesis of [Cu<sub>3</sub>(C<sub>9</sub>H<sub>3</sub>O<sub>6</sub>)<sub>2</sub>].<sub>3</sub>H<sub>2</sub>O{18H<sub>2</sub>O} was achieved through a solvothermal method employing Copper (II) Nitrate trihydrate and benzene-1, 3, 5-tricarboxylic acid as precursors in a suitable solvent. The synthesized [Cu<sub>3</sub>(C<sub>9</sub>H<sub>3</sub>O<sub>6</sub>)<sub>2</sub>].<sub>3</sub>H<sub>2</sub>O{18H<sub>2</sub>O}) was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Single crystal and Thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis. The photocatalytic activity of ([Cu<sub>3</sub>(C<sub>9</sub>H<sub>3</sub>O<sub>6</sub>)<sub>2</sub>].<sub>3</sub>H<sub>2</sub>O{18H<sub>2</sub>O}) was evaluated in the transformation of Lissamine green SF (LGSF) and Tetraethylrhodamine (TeRh) under solar light irradiation. The intermediate compounds obtained during the transformation of LGSF under photocatalysis were detected using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The recyclability of [Cu<sub>3</sub>(C<sub>9</sub>H<sub>3</sub>O<sub>6</sub>)<sub>2</sub>].<sub>3</sub>H<sub>2</sub>O{18H<sub>2</sub>O}was investigated to demonstrate its stability, robustness and potential for practical applications. Conclusively, the [Cu<sub>3</sub>(C<sub>9</sub>H<sub>3</sub>O<sub>6</sub>)<sub>2</sub>].<sub>3</sub>H<sub>2</sub>O{18H<sub>2</sub>O} was proven to be an effective catalyst in the mineralization of LGSF and TeRh.