Photocatalytic Rhodamine‐B Removal From Aqueous System by Utilizing Iron‐Based Metal–Organic Framework Supported Biocomposite

ABSTRACT In this study, an iron‐based metal–organic framework promoted cinnamon bark composite (FeMOF/CB) was synthesized and evaluated for the photocatalytic removal of rhodamine‐B (RhB) under visible light irradiation (400–800 nm). Photocatalytic experiments were carried out using a catalyst dosage of 20 mg, an initial RhB concentration of 10 mg/L, and near‐neutral pH conditions. The structural, functional, and optical properties of the prepared materials were characterized by SEM, FTIR, UV–Vis DRS, XRD, and BET analyses, revealing successful integration of FeMOF onto the CB surface and a narrow band gap of 2.10 eV. Under visible light irradiation, the FeMOF/CB composite achieved 94.52% RhB removal within 90 min, markedly outperforming pristine CB (55.33%). Mechanistic investigations, including pH‐dependent studies, radical scavenging experiments, and kinetic analysis, indicated that the photocatalytic degradation process is predominantly governed by photogenerated holes (h + ). Reusability tests demonstrated that FeMOF/CB retained over 70% of its initial efficiency after five successive cycles, confirming its structural stability and potential applicability in practical wastewater treatment systems.