Synthesis and characterization of a novel nanocomposite zeolite @ metal–organic framework core @shell as UV light driven photocatalyst

In this work, zeolite Y was synthesized by hydrothermal method and then modified with carboxylicacid. The succinic anhydride was used for producing functional group on the surface of the zeolite Y.MIL-۵۳(Al) metal–organic framework (MOF) as a shell was growth over zeolite Y as a core at roomtemperature. The Y@MIL-۵۳ core @shell was applied to develop a UV light active photocatalyst fordegradation of Eriochrome Black-T (EBT). The materials were characterized using a range oftechniques. Characterizations of samples were carried out by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD),scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometry, Transmissionelectron microscopy (TEM), UV–Vis diffused reflectance spectra (UV–Vis DRS) and zeta potential.The highest photocatalytic activity was related to Y@MIL-۵۳ core @shell. Degradation mechanismwas attributed to electrons and holes are generated in the organic ligand. Moreover, the Y@MIL-۵۳photocatalyst was extremely stable during five cycle test and did not demonstrate any explicit loss ofphotocatalytic activity during five cycle tests. The used adsorbent can be reused for adsorptiveremoval through simply washing. According to the experimental results, the possible mechanism ofadsorption was proposed.

Keywords:

Carboxylate zeolite , Eriochrome black-T , Nanomaterials , Zeolite Y , Semiconductors , Zeolite@MOF.