Assessing the photodegradation efficiency of benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX): a comparative investigation using activated charcoal (AC), zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8), and zirconium metal–organic framework (Zr-MOF)

ABSTRACT In this study, three different materials were investigated for their ability to degrade benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX) using light energy. The materials studied were activated charcoal (AC), zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8), and zirconium metal–organic framework (Zr-MOF). Initially, AC, ZIF-8, and Zr-MOF were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, and spectroscopic analysis techniques. Based on their excellent features, that is, band gap (5.5, 5.45, and 4.75 eV), surface area (711.5, 1,122.1, and 535.4 m2/g), and pore volume (0.291, 0.369, and 0.628 cm3/g), a comparative photodegradation analysis of BTX was performed in acetonitrile. We found that Zr-MOF is the best photocatalyst to degrade BTX, with degradation percentages of 97, 95, and 94% (B > T > X), respectively, followed by ZIF-8 and AC. Our study suggests that these photocatalysts can be used to degrade BTX using light energy, which could reduce the health and environmental impacts of BTX. Our results illustrate that advanced porous materials may be established as photocatalyst materials with the potential to address the long-standing challenges associated with pollutant degradation.