Two-dimensional (2D) metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are fascinating photocatalytic materials because of their unique physical and catalytic properties. Herein, we report a new (E)-4-(3-carboxyacrylamido) benzoic acid [ABA–MA] ligand synthesized under facile conditions. This ABA–MA ligand is further utilized to synthesize a copper-based 2D MOF via the solvothermal process. The resulting 2D MOF is characterized for morphology and electronic structural analysis using advanced techniques, such as proton nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, 2D MOF is employed as a photocatalyst for degrading organic dyes, demonstrating the degradation/reduction of methylene blue (MeBl) dye with excellent catalytic/photodegradation activity in the absence of any photosensitizer or cocatalyst. The apparent rate constant (k_ap) values for the catalytic degradation/reduction of MeBl on the Cu(II)–[ABA-MA] MOF are reported to be 0.0093 min⁻¹, 0.0187 min⁻¹, and 0.2539 min⁻¹ under different conditions of sunlight and NaBH4. The kinetics and stability evaluations reveal the noteworthy photocatalytic potential of the Cu(II)–[ABA–MA] MOF for wastewater treatment. This work offers new insights into the fabrication of new MOFs for highly versatile photocatalytic applications.

Water treatment through photocatalysts has become an important topic regarding environmental protection. In the present study, silver and TiO₂ (Ag/TiO₂) composites for photocatalysts were effectively synthesized by adopting the template induced method. The prepared samples were characterized using XRD, FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, and EDX. The constructed samples’ particle size and shape were evaluated using a SEM, and the XRD patterns showed anatase crystalline phases. Their morphologies were controllable with changing concentration of reactants and calcination temperature. The synthesized composites act as catalyst in the degradation of methylene blue (MB) and reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) under solar irradiation. In both of these activities, the best result has been shown by the 0.01 Ag/TiO₂ composite. Methanol is used as the hole scavenger in the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III). While the pH factor is important in the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III). According to observations, S. macrospora and S. maydis were each subject to 0.01 Ag/TiO₂ nanocomposites maximum antifungal activity, which was 38.4 mm and 34.3 mm, respectively. The outcomes demonstrate that both photocatalytic and antifungal properties are effectively displayed by the constructed material.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the composites of multi-responsive microgels and silver nanoparticles.

In this study, we report a promising approach and new catalysts, namely Au@Al–CeVO₄ photocatalysts, for sustainable hydrogen production from water splitting.