UiO-66-NDC (1,4-Naphthalenedicarboxylic Acid): A Versatile Metal-Organic Framework-Based Catalyst for Photocatalytic Degradation of Dye Chemicals

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have received significant attention for their use as photocatalysts and photocatalyst supports. These materials have a number of benefits, including stability, catalyst reusability, tunability, and the capacity for post-reaction separation. Here, the potential applications of UiO-66-NDC (1,4-Naphthalenedicarboxylic acid) as a photocatalyst for the degradation of reactive orange 16 (RO16), methyl orange (MO), and rhodamine B (RhB) were investigated. Due to its large surface area, adjustable characteristics, stability, effective light absorption, capacity for charge separation, and adaptability in design, UiO-66-NDC was chosen for photocatalytic dye degradation. A solvothermal process was used to synthesize the UiO-66-NDC, and methods including X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize its structure. The zeta potential was used to determine the surface charge. In order to conduct the photocatalytic tests, dye solutions with defined concentrations were exposed to UVA light irradiation in the presence of UiO-66-NDC. UV-visible spectroscopy was used to monitor the degradation process, which made it possible to calculate the degradation rate constants and the percentage of dye removal. The removal efficiency of adsorption, which was also examined, was at a minimum (17% for RO16, 48% for MO, and 25% for RhB). The degradation of the dyes by UiO-66-NDC showed excellent photocatalytic activity, with degradation rates for RO16, MO, and RhB of 93%, 94%, and 91%, respectively, and good reusability. The research determined that 300 mg/L of catalyst was the ideal level. Three successive cycles of using UiO-66-NDC as a catalyst have demonstrated its reusability. It was possible to remove 97% of RO16, 99% of MO, and 95% of RhB at a high starting dye concentration (20 mg/L).