Synthesis and characterization of boehmite/metal – Organic framework of type AlO(OH)/MOF‐74(Zn) for photocatalytic degradation of Congo red dye

Abstract In the present work, boehmite metal‐organic framework nanocomposite, AlO(OH)/MOF‐74(Zn), was synthesized by a simple, fast, and low‐cost process. The post‐synthetic method was used for preparing new hybrid material. The photocatalytic efficiency of AlO(OH)/MOF‐74(Zn) was investigated by photocatalytic degradation of Congo Red anionic dye. The nanocomposite was characterized by various techniques. The electron microscopy images showed that the spherical MOF‐74 with about 30 nm was located over boehmite. The optical properties indicated the boehmite/MOF‐74 can be used as a visible‐light‐driven photocatalyst. Optimization of significant variables such as adsorbent dosage and initial Congo Red concentration and photodegradation time affecting removal was investigated and the optimized values were found to be 1 g/L, 10 mg/L, and 60 min, respectively. The AlO(OH)/MOF‐74(Zn) photocatalyst exhibited the highest catalytic performance for photodegradation of dye contaminants. Results indicated about 94% of tested dye were removed by a new hybrid photocatalyst under visible light irradiation. The results confirmed that due to some considerable features of AlO(OH)/MOF‐74(Zn) such as high surface area and chemical and thermal resistance, the introduced photocatalyst acts as a high‐performance photocatalyst for degradation of Congo Red dye in aqueous solutions.