Different Photocatalytic Activity of MoS2 Layered-Structure@Fumarate-Based Metal-Organic Framework Nanocomposite for Two Dyes

In this investigation, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) was synthesized via the hydrothermal method. The fumarate-based metal-organic framework (MOF), designated as MOF-801(Zr), was synthesized using the wet impregnation method at ambient temperature, employing zirconium (IV) chloride as the zirconium precursor and fumaric acid as the linker. The MoS2@MOF-801 nanocomposite was subsequently prepared by combining the solid precursors of MOF-801 and MoS2 utilizing a solid-state dispersion (SSD) technique. Characterization of the synthesized materials was conducted using various spectroscopy techniques. The resulting MoS2@MOF-801 was assessed for its efficacy in the photodegradation of anionic and cationic pollutants, specifically Congo red and Basic Red 46 dyes, respectively. Electron microscopy images revealed a uniform distribution of layered MoS2 across the surface of the spherical MOF-801 nanoparticles. Optical spectroscopy results indicated that the nanocomposite acts as an effective photocatalyst under visible light irradiation. The MoS2@MOF-801 photocatalyst, containing 40 wt% MoS2, achieved a remarkable 95.8% removal efficiency for Congo red dye, comprising 38.6% from photodegradation and 57.2% from adsorption, accompanied by the formation of ammonium-azonium tautomers. In contrast, the removal efficiency for Basic Red 46 was 50.61%, with adsorption contributing 39.91%. The MoS2@MOF-801 composite significantly enhanced the separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, leading to superior photocatalytic performance.