Transformation of Co(OH)2/ZnO to Co3O4-ZnO/N-C composite via MOFs for enhanced Bisphenol A degradation

Cobalt hydroxide-zinc oxide [Co(OH)(2)-ZnO] composites were first synthesized as raw materials and after interacting with 2-Methylimidazole, they were successfully transformed to Co-Zn zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) based on liquid/solid reaction as evidenced by the X-ray diffraction. Both of the Co(OH)(2)-ZnO and Co-Zn ZIFs were calcined in air to prepare the Co3O4-ZnO and Co3O4-ZnO/N-C composites, respectively. It was found that the particle/rod and fine particles were observed for Co3O4-ZnO and Co3O4-ZnO/N-C composites, which indicated that the change of the structure and composition was occurred during the formation of ZIFs. Notably, it was indicated that via the formation of mixed ZIF, a much efficient activation of persulfate for the degradation of Bisphenol A in the presence of Co3O4-ZnO/N-C was achieved as suggested by the fact that a 6-fold increase of the degradation rate was obtained in composition with that of Co3O4-ZnO. The improvement was possibly due to the porous structure, small size of the Co3O4-ZnO/N-C as well as the synergetic effect of between Co3O4 and N-doped carbon. [GRAPHICS] .

Automated summary

The study successfully synthesized Co3O4-ZnO and Co3O4-ZnO/N-C composites by first creating cobalt hydroxide-zinc oxide composites and transforming them into Co-Zn zeolitic imidazolate frameworks based on liquid/solid reaction. The mixed ZIF formed during the process achieved a much more efficient activation of persulfate for the degradation of Bisphenol A, with a 6-fold increase in degradation rate compared to Co3O4-ZnO. This improvement was attributed to the porous structure, small size of the Co3O4-ZnO/N-C, and the synergetic effect between Co3O4 and N-doped carbon.