MoS <sub>2</sub> -loaded Zn-MOF composites: a high-performance hybrid for ultra-sensitive sensing and efficient dose reliant dye degradation
Archana Jena, Vibhav Shukla, Astakala Anil Kumar, Nazrul Haq, Kafeel Ahmad Siddiqui
Abstract
In this study, a Zn-based metal-organic framework (Zn-MOF), formulated as [Zn(Cei)]n, was resynthesized using bis(2-carboxyethyl) isocyanurate (H2Cei) as a ligand. To enhance its functional properties, a series of MoS2-doped Zn-MOF composites (Zn-MOF@MoS2-n, where n = 1–3) were synthesized at room temperature with varying stoichiometric ratios (1:1, 1:2, and 1:3). Structural characterization confirmed the successful incorporation of MoS2 while preserving the crystallinity of Zn-MOF. Among the synthesized composites, Zn-MOF@MoS2-2 exhibited superior performance in both photoluminescence sensing and photocatalytic degradation. The composite demonstrated high sensitivity toward Pb2+, Cr2O72−, and Metsulfuron-methyl (MSFM) detection, with detection limits of 1.059 ppm, 1.029 ppm, and 1.105 ppm, respectively. Additionally, Zn-MOF@MoS2-2 showcased remarkable photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Congo red (CR) dye, achieving a degradation efficiency of 94.36% under optimal conditions (30 mg/L CR, 20 mg/L catalyst, pH 7). The synergistic effect of MoS2 incorporated contributed to enhanced charge separation and improved active site availability, making Zn-MOF@MoS2-2 a highly promising candidate for environmental remediation and analytical applications.