Different Photocatalytic Activity of MoS 2 Layered‐Structure@Fumarate‐Based Metal‐Organic Framework Nanocomposite for Two Dyes

Abstract 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.