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.