The effect of ZnO or TiO2 loaded nanoparticles on the adsorption and photocatalytic performance of Cu-BTC and ZIF-8 MOFs

Binary composites of ZnO or TiO2 nanocatalysts on Cu-BTC and ZIF-8 were characterized and tested for the decolorization of methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO). X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images evidenced the creation of catalyst nanoparticles. Composites with higher dark adsorption capacities facilitated the decolorization rates of the dye molecules. MB decolorization percentages increased in the presence of Cu-BTC supported composites. ZnO addition increased the photoactivities of ZIF-8 composites for both MB and MO. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.