Hydrogenation reduction of dyes using metal-organic framework-derived CuO@C

An effective catalyst for removing organic dyes from water is highly required. A two-dimensional metal-organic framework, copper-benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic (CuBDC), and its derivative (CuO@C) were investigated as catalysts for the degradation of organic dye. The materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope (TEM), high-resolution TEM, scanning electron microscope, Fourier transforms infrared, nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherm, atomic absorbance flame, and thermogravimetric analysis. CuO@C was used for catalytic hydrogenation of organic dyes using sodium borohydride (NaBH4) as a reducing agent. It displayed high catalytic efficiency (100%) and required a short reaction time with excellent recyclability and a simple regeneration process. The materials could be used for more than 5 times without obvious fading in the material's catalytic performance. The mechanism of the reduction and degradation of the dyes was investigated using several analytical methods. The materials may open new avenues for an efficient catalyst for water remediation.