Green synthesis of the copper and iron phthalocyanine-based metal–organic framework as an efficient catalyst for methylene blue dye degradation and oxidation of cyclohexane

Abstract

We have successfully developed a simple, energy-efficient, and environmentally benign synthesis method for iron phthalocyanine (FePc) and a MOF based on copper under ambient conditions in water. The synthesized Cu–FePc MOF has been thoroughly characterized using various techniques, including PXRD, FTIR, SEM, TGA and BET. The catalytic activity of the synthesized Cu–FePc MOF was tested in two reactions: (a) oxidative dye degradation of methylene blue using H₂O₂ and (b) oxidation of cyclohexane to cyclohexanone using TBHP under mild reaction conditions. The catalyst showed excellent performance, as 10 mg of Cu–FePc MOF was able to degrade 20 ml of 40 ppm dye solution in just 16 min. Additionally, it achieved 96% conversion of cyclohexane to cyclohexanone in 3 h. The effect of various parameters such as initial pH, temperature, catalyst loading, and the concentration of H₂O₂ and TBHP on the catalyst's performance was investigated to optimize the reaction conditions. The Cu–FePc MOF demonstrated excellent recyclability without much loss in its catalytic activity.