Sunlight assisted photodecolorization of malachite green catalyzed by MIL-101/graphene oxide composites

The objective of the research is mainly the development of efficient and environmentally benign heterogeneous catalysts for sunlight assisted photodecolorization of Malachite green (MG). Heterogeneous MIL-101/graphene oxide composite was synthesized by sonication and heat treatment for this purpose. The catalyst thus prepared was then tested for the sunlight assisted photodecolorization. The mesostructure of MIL-101 remains intact after graphene oxide modifications, as shown by various techniques such as FT IR, X-ray diffraction, UV-Vis, N-2 adsorption desorption, SEM and TEM. XRD and adsorption desorption analysis, while spectral techniques show successful immobilization of the neat graphene oxide inside the MIL-101 cavities. The effects of key experimental parameters including the catalyst amount (0.009-0.017 g L-1), initial concentration of dyes (10-30 mg L-1) and solution pH (3-11) were studied on the extent of decolorization.