Catalytic decoloration of commercial azo dyes by copper-carbon composites derived from metal organic frameworks

Porous copper-carbon composites were synthesized via one-step heat treatment of copper-based metal organic frameworks (MOFs), MOF-199. The prepared composites,Cu-CC-550 and Cu-CC-650, were applied as catalysts for catalytic decoloration of two commercial azo dyes, methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (RB) in the presence of NaBH4. The composites were characterized by a series of spectroscopic instruments and a surface analyzer. The characterization confirmed the presence of Cu2O and Cu in the amorphous carbon network with high porosity. The composites were very active in decolorizing MB, RB, and their mixture. In particular, Cu-CC-550exhibited a great reusability to complete five consecutive MB reduction cycles with a minimal loss of catalytic capability and structural integrity. The prepared Cu-CC composite can be considered as a promising material for catalytic decoloration of dyes as well as a potential alternative to replace noble metal-based catalysts.