The effect of ZnO or TiO₂ loaded nanoparticles on the adsorption and photocatalytic performance of Cu-BTC and ZIF-8 MOFs

Binary composites of ZnO or TiO₂ nanocatalysts on Cu-BTC and ZIF-8 were characterized and tested for the decolorization of methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO). X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images evidenced the creation of catalyst nanoparticles. Composites with higher dark adsorption capacities facilitated the decolorization rates of the dye molecules. MB decolorization percentages increased in the presence of Cu-BTC supported composites. ZnO addition increased the photoactivities of ZIF-8 composites for both MB and MO. - Highlights: • Dark adsorption capacities affect the photoactivities of the composites. • Cu-BTC based composites show higher degradation efficiencies toward MB. • ZnO addition enhance the photoactivity of 0.25 M ZnO-ZIF-8 for both MB and MO.