(174an) A Novel Ni@Zn-MOF Catalyst Activated Persulphate System for the Efficient Degradation of Orange II

Single step synthesis of a Ni particle-doped zinc-based metal–organic framework (Ni@Zn-MOF) using an epoxide-driven sol-gel method was described in this study. Ni particle-doped zinc-based metal–organic framework (Ni@Zn-MOF), Sol-gel method, Sodium Persulfate (PS), Catalytic degradation, Reaction mechanism. The incorporation of zero-valent nickel particles on the surface of the Zn-MOF was confirmed by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy disperse spectroscopy(EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and thermogravimetry. The activation of PS for the degradation of orange II was evaluated by the heterogeneous catalytic capability of Ni@Zn-MOF. The ratio of nickel and zinc exhibited a dominant impact on the catalytic performance of Ni@Zn-MOF whereas, 98% of the orange II was efficiently removed within 50 min having nickel zinc ratio of 1:0.8. The various parameters like stability of Ni@Zn-MOF, reusability of Ni@Zn-MOF, dosage of Ni@Zn-MOF, reaction temperature, PS concentration and effect of initial pH were evaluated in this study. Reusability of Ni@Zn-MOF in consecutive six cycles showed a very minute decrease in degradation of orange II whereas, complete orange II was removed by increasing the reaction time. The reactions occurring on the surface and pores of Ni@Zn-MOF played a significant effect on the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The dominant ROS found were hydroxyl and sulphate radicals that were solely responsible for the efficient degradation of orange II.