A Novel Synthesis of a Calix [4] Arene, MIL‐101(Fe), and Copper(II) Oxide Nanocomposite (Calix/MIL‐101(Fe)/CuO): Synthesis, Characterization, Degradation, and Pollutant Removal Ability

Abstract

AbstractDyes are organic compounds. Azo dyes, as the most important dyes, are usually synthesized and reduced after entering the human body, turning into mutagenic and carcinogenic amines. A new efficient composite containing calix [4] arene (Calix), metal‐organic framework (MIL‐101(Fe)), and copper(II) oxide (Calix/MIL‐101(Fe)/CuO) was synthesized and utilized for the degradation of Malachite Green (MG). The dye removal efficiency was 17% for Calix, 56% for CuO, 64% for MIL‐101(Fe), and 98.8% for the Calix/MIL‐101(Fe)/CuO composite using LED visible light. The degradation of MG by Calix/MIL‐101(Fe)/CuO using different doses, including 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 mg, was 8%, 64%, 75%, 85%, and 98.8%, respectively. The degradation kinetic rate constants for 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 mg of Calix/MIL‐101(Fe)/CuO were 0.0134, 0.1086, 0.1182, 0.1308, and 0.1727 (zero‐order rate), 5E‐04, 0.007, 0.008, 0.011, and 0.023 (first‐order rate), and 4E‐05, 0.0007, 0.001, 0.0017, and 0.0211 (second‐order rate), respectively. The MG degradation kinetics obeyed the zero‐order model. The Calix/MIL‐101(Fe)/CuO exhibited high reusability for MG degradation. The results suggest that Calix/MIL‐101(Fe)/CuO could serve as an alternative photocatalyst for the degradation of contaminants in aqueous media.