Synthesis and characterization of a nanocomposite zeolite Y@metal–organic framework as photocatalyst

Abstract

Zeolite Y was synthesized by hydrothermal method and then modified with carboxylic acid. Succinic anhydride was used for producing functional group on the surface of the zeolite Y. MIL-53(Al) metal–organic framework as a shell was grown over zeolite Y as a core at room temperature. The Y@MIL-53 core@shell was applied to develop a UV light active photocatalyst for degradation of Eriochrome Black-T. The materials were characterized using a range of techniques. Characterizations of samples were carried out by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy, UV–Vis diffused reflectance spectra (UV–Vis DRS) and zeta potential. The highest photocatalytic activity was related to Y@MIL-53 core@shell. Degradation mechanism was attributed to electrons and holes generated in the organic ligand. Moreover, the Y@MIL-53 photocatalyst was extremely stable during five cycle test and did not demonstrate any explicit loss of photocatalytic activity during five cycle tests. The used adsorbent can be reused for adsorptive removal through simply washing. According to the experimental phenomenon, the possible mechanism of adsorption was proposed.

Keywords:

• Carboxylate zeolite
• Eriochrome Black-T
• nanomaterials
• aeolite Y
• semiconductors
• zeolite@MOF

Acknowledgement

The authors are grateful to the Islamic Azad University, Rasht Branch.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.