Improved Adsorption Capacity and Photoactivity of ZnO-ZIF-8 Nanocomposites

ZnO-ZIF-8 300 degrees C nanocomposite is synthesized by combining of ZnO with ZIF-8via facile route. The structural properties of ZnO-ZIF-8 300 degrees C are compared with the bare ZnO, ZIF-8 and ZIF-8 300 degrees C using various analytical methods. XRD analysis and FTIR spectroscopy confirm the successful growth of ZnO in the nanocomposite. ZnO-ZIF-8 300 degrees C shows a mesoporous structure. SEM (EDX) and XPS verify formation of ZnO on the surface of ZnO-ZIF-8 300 degrees C. The characteristic ZnO edge is noticed in the UV-Vis DRS spectrum of ZnO-ZIF-8 300 degrees C. The adsorption capacities and photocatalytic activities of ZnO, ZIF-8, ZIF-8 300 degrees C and ZnO-ZIF-8 300 degrees C are examined in the presence of methyl orange (MO) and methylene blue (MB). The enhanced adsorption ability and photoactivity of ZnO-ZIF-8 300 degrees C are mainly attributed to high surface area and porous structure inherited from ZIF-8. The activity of ZnO-ZIF-8 300 degrees C is also investigated under 40%, 67% and 84% relative humidity (RH) conditions. The highest performance is obtained in the presence of ZnO-ZIF-8 300 degrees C (84% RH) owing to formation of more hydroxyl radicals.ZnO-ZIF-8 300 degrees C and ZnO-ZIF-8 300 degrees C (84% RH) show also good stability, hence they can be proposed as potential photocatalysts for environmental applications.

Automated summary

The ZnO-ZIF-8 300 degrees C nanocomposite exhibits enhanced adsorption ability and photocatalytic activity due to its mesoporous structure inherited from ZIF-8, making it a potential photocatalyst for environmental applications. Additionally, the stability of ZnO-ZIF-8 300 degrees C under different relative humidity conditions suggests its promise for practical use.