Development of GQDs@2D MOF Composites for Efficient Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Dyes in Wastewater Ref.No.SSTCRC2625
1. Introduction
The aim of this research is to combined the unique feature of 2D MOF and GQDs in order to enhance the photocatalytic activities for removal water pollution. Main objectives of the project will be followings.
-Development of 2D MOFs, GQDs and GQDs@2D MOF composites with enhance photocatalytic efficiency under visible light.
-Characterize the 2D MOFs, GQDs and GQDs@2D MOF composites to analyze the structure, optical and electronic properties, conforming its suitability for photocatalytic applications.
-Evaluate the composite efficiency under visible light in degrading the organic dyes and investigate the mechanism of photocatalytic activity.
-Assess the stability, reusability and real-world applicability of the composites for sustainable wastewater treatment and pollution mitigation.
2. Research Progress
Water pollution has emerged as the most severe environmental crises globally in the 21st century, causing massive deterioration to the marine ecosystem and human health. The UN estimates that at least one billion people living in water-stressed areas will face the ultimate water crisis by 2025. The primary cause of water pollution is the rapid industrialization and urbanization. The leakage of different pollutants in water from industries make them unfit for drinking, industrial operations and agriculture. Theses pollutants includes both inorganic (heavy metals) and organic (like Organic pollutants include Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), Pharmaceuticals and Organic dyes). Among them organic pollutants like organic dyes are more concerning due to their persistence, bioaccumulation and high toxicity. Organic dyes are carbon-based compounds that impart color to materials by absorbing specific wavelength of light. These dyes include Anthraquinone Dyes, Azo Dyes, Polymethine Dyes, Diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) Dyes etc. The synthesis and applications of these dyes can lead to the environmental pollution if not managed properly.
To overcome these issues researchers used different techniques including chemical precipitation, membrane separation, physical adsorption, ion exchange, advanced oxidation, biodegradation, photocatalytic degradation, etc. to improve the water quality. However, most of these methods have drawbacks, such as low efficiency, high cost, high energy consumption, complex operation, etc., which urge exploration for viable alternatives.
In this work, we mainly focus on a new approach to develop GQDs@2D metal oxide framework (MOF) composites for photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes. The approach is basically used for overcoming the challenges of 2D MOFs in degradation of organic dyes. Due to exceptional characteristics of GQDs such as charge separation and charge transfer, it has potential to enhance the photocatalytic activities of GQDs@2D MOF composite.
3. Cooperation Required
Financial cooperation for establishment of a fully functional laboratory for carrying out research project.
4. Benefits
-Successful development of this GQDs@2D MOF composites will enhance the photocatalytic activity under visible light overcoming the limitations of UV-dependent photocatalysts.
-GQDs@2D MOF composite degrade the organic dyes efficiently in a very short time.
-GQDs@2D MOF catalyst will be ecofriendly because it utilized light and reduce the toxic persistent organic dyes (e.g., methylene blue, methyl orange, rhodamine B) in wastewater, into non-toxic byproducts.
-After the completion of this project, the results will be published in high impact factor journals.
5. Outputs
Publish the work in high impact factor journals like Nature, Energy and environmental science etc., and the results will be patent for commercial use.