Synthesis and characterization of a new nanocomposite Co3O4 / graphene oxide based on metal-organic framework UiO-66 and investigation of its photocatalytic application in degradation of tetracycline and malathion contaminants

The removal of toxic pollutions from aqueous waste is nowadays considered as a hot issue being investigated. ]In this research, tetracycline (TC) as an important antibiotic, and malathion (MA) as a toxic organophosphate pesticide are considered for the photodegradation by a high-performance nanocomposite. Co3O4 nanoparticle anchored on graphene oxide based on UiO-66 metal- organic framework were synthesized and tested for photodegradation of tetracycline and malathion. Results showed that the presence of graphene oxide and UiO-66 improves the photodegradation efficiency up to 93% and 81% for tetracycline and malathion, respectively. Furthermore, total organic carbon studies verified the decontamination of this pollutants. Presence of graphene oxide and UiO-66 with high specific surface area, great conductivity, and various functional groups make it as good support for Co3O4 nanoparticles. All experiments show that this nanocomposite can be appointed as a good photocatalyst in the visible light area and it can be an excellent replacement for other photocatalysts.