Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Bisphenol A by a Novel MOF/CuFe2O4 Composite in Wastewater Treatment

Abstract

The synergistic effects of a CuFe₂O₄ and cobalt/nickel metal organic framework (Co/Ni-MOF) based composite (MOF/CuFe₂O₄) were explored for photodegradation of Bisphenol A (BPA), various MOF/CuFe₂O₄ composites were synthesized via a hydrothermal method, By adjusting CuFe₂O₄ to Co/Ni-MOF mass ratios of 2:1, 1:1, and 1:2 and were denoted as MOF/CuFe₂O₄ (2:1), MOF/CuFe₂O₄ (1:1), and MOF/CuFe₂O₄ (1:2), respectively. The composite MOF/CuFe₂O₄ (1:1) with a band gap energy (Eg) of 2.28 eV exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity achieving 98% degradation of a 10 ppm BPA solution under visible light (50 W) irradiation within 75 min, at pH 3, 25°C. This process achieved a quantum yield (QY) of 9.10 × 10⁻⁶ molecules photon⁻¹ and a space-time yield (SY) of 9.10 × 10⁻⁷, highlighting the composite's efficiency and potential for practical applications. Visible-light absorption efficiency improved as photon energy increased (25 to 50 W) and facilitated the generation of $\dot{}{O}_2^{-}$ radicals. Kinetic studies indicated a first-order reaction rate (R ² = 0.964) for BPA photodegradation by MOF/CuFe₂O₄ (1:1) composite. Additionally, the MOF/CuFe₂O₄ composite demonstrated superior antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) under light compared with dark environment. Remarkably, the composite maintained its photocatalytic efficiency over at least six cycles. The results of the current study highlight the effectiveness and reusability of the MOF/CuFe₂O₄ (1:1) composite as a nanomaterial for the photodegradation of BPA and its potential applications in water treatment.