Synthesis of Ag-ZnO/MOF nanocomposite for degradation of dye from aqueous solution under UV light

Water pollution, a critical environmental challenge, threatens the availability of clean water essential for human survival. Industrial waste streams frequently discharge hazardous dyes such as Congo Red, Methyl Orange, and Methylene Blue, posing severe risks to aquatic ecosystems and human health. These dyes, widely used in industries like plastics, textiles, and cosmetics, contribute significantly to water contamination, necessitating effective treatment methods. This study addresses the research gap by synthesizing a silver-zinc oxide metal-organic framework (Ag-ZnO-MOF) nanocomposite for photocatalytic degradation of Methyl Orange dye using a chemical precipitation method. The nanocomposite's morphology, crystalline structure, and photocatalytic properties were characterized through SEM, FTIR, XRD, and DRS analyses, confirming its powdery nature and activity in the UV region with a bandgap of 3.3 eV. Key parameters influencing dye degradation, including solution pH, reaction time, pollutant concentration, and photocatalyst dosage, were systematically studied. The results revealed that optimal conditions (pH 2, 0.03 g photocatalyst, 30 ppm dye) achieved a remarkable 96% degradation efficiency. This research highlights the Ag-ZnO-MOF nanocomposite's potential for addressing industrial dye pollution, offering an effective and sustainable solution for water purification. Keywords: Dye removal; metal-organic framework; methyl orange; photocatalyst.