Synthesis of a copper (II) metal-organic framework for photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B dye in water

The Cu(II) metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) based on 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid (Cu-3(BTC)(2)) was synthesized by the hydrothermal method. The synthesized Cu-3(BTC)(2) exhibited pyramid-shaped morphology and showing an average specific area of 32.16 m(2) g(-1). The Cu-3(BTC)(2) photocatalysts were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (FESEM-EDX), UV-Vis diffusive reflectance spectra, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). The photocatalytic activity of Cu-3(BTC)(2) was examined on Rhodamine B (RhB) degradation under visible light irradiation. The outcomes displayed exceedingly enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible light. In addition, its recyclability was also confirmed for multiple cycles. The easiness of construction and high photocatalytic performance of Cu-3(BTC)(2) photocatalysts can be capable in environmental applications to treat water contamination.