Hybridization of Schiff base network and amino functionalized Cu based MOF to enhance photocatalytic performance

Abstract

In this work, an amine-functionalized Cu-based metal-organic framework (MOF) was prepared through the solvothermal method. The synthesized Cu- MOF was hybridized with Schiff base network-1 (SNW-1), as a new production of covalent organic frameworks (COFs). In order to use the synthesized nanohybrid as a photocatalyst in the visible light region, the structure of the photocatalyst was modified by adding cadmium sulfide (CdS). The lab synthesized CdS/SNW-1/Cu-MOF nanohybrid photocatalyst was evaluated for cationic (Basic Red 46 (BR46)) and anionic (Congo red (CR)) dyes-waste treatment under visible light. The as-prepared samples were characterized by various techniques. Cu-MOF, SNW-1, and CdS nanoparticles have cubic, spherical and hexagonal shapes in CdS/Cu-MOF/SNW-1 nanohybrid, respectively. The above results show that the synergistic effect existing between CdS, SNW-1, and Cu-MOF leads to efficient photogenerated charge carriers separation and consequently improves contaminants' photo-removal treatment of the nanohybrid. The enhanced surface area, the improved structure crystallinity, the amended uniformity of pores distribution, the boosted visible light harvesting, the efficient charge transfer/separation, along the suppressed recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs are significant factors in the photo-removal advanced rates of the synthesized substrate.