Synthesis and characterization of metal organic framework-based photocatalyst and membrane for carbon dioxide conversion

The present work is an approach to study the photocatalytic conversion of carbon dioxide (CO₂) to methanol by using a novel MOF-based catalyst. A copper-based metal organic framework called Cu₃BTC₂ where (BTC = benzene-1, 3, 5-tricarboxylate) was synthesized successfully by solvothermal and co-ordination modulation method. The MOF thus obtained exhibited a large surface area. It was further utilized as one of the reactants for the synthesis of an MOF-based photocatalyst containing TiO₂. This photocatalyst, TiO₂@Cu₃BTC₂, was obtained by the hydrolysis of Titanium (IV) isopropoxide under solvothermal conditions. The prepared MOF was then characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) techniques. It was noted that TiO₂@Cu₃BTC₂ exhibits strong photocatalytic activity in comparison with TiO₂ nanoparticles and this modified form of the photocatalyst could be used in the conversion of carbon dioxide to methanol using visible light as a source of irradiation. Additionally, an MOF-based membrane was synthesized using soil and first dip coating procedure. After characterization of the membrane, it was observed that the nucleation density of MOF directly on a clay-based support was very low. Treatment of membrane with alumina could increase the coverage of MOF particles as it would provide a better-activated surface.