Preparation of Nanoparticle Doped Metal-organic Framework (MOF) and its Potential Use for Photodegradation of Antibiotics in Water: A Review

Semiconductors have gained recognition as efficient photocatalysts for the degradation of antibiotics in water. However, their performance is limited due to poor absorption of light, recombination of electron-hole pairs, and poor recovery from an aqueous solution. This study reviewed the in- clusion of semiconductor nanoparticles in a metal-organic framework (MOF), forming nanoparticle@MOF composite to overcome these challenges. Three methods including ship-in-bottle, bottle- around-ship, and one-step synthesis were identified for the synthesis of nanoparticle@MOF compo- site. Among the synthesis methods, the one-step method remains promising with high prospects. Na- noparticle@MOF composite has exhibited high efficiency in removing antibiotics in an aqueous system utilizing visible light as a photo source for promoting the process. Despite the success achieved, there is a need for large-scale studies and cost evaluation to understand better the feasibility and economic implications of the nanoparticle@MOF composite technique as an affordable technique for the purification of an antibiotic-contaminated water system.