Confinement‐Induced Enhanced Dye Degradation Using 5,7‐Dichloro‐8‐Hydroxyquinoline within a Cu‐BTC Metal‐Organic Framework

The improvement of the property after hybridization of a Metal‐Organic Framework (MOF) remains a significant protocol toward the achievement of real field applicability. In this regard, 5,7‐Dichloro‐8‐Hydroxy Quinoline (DClHQ) is incorporated into benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxylic acid(BTC) coordinated Cu‐MOF (Cu‐BTC) to synthesize DClHQ@Cu‐BTC catalyst, and its efficiency is investigated in the degradation of methylene blue. The photo‐responsive quinoline‐based molecule is introduced at varying concentrations (5, 15, 25, 50, 75, 100, and 125 mM) to optimize its catalytic performance. Among the prepared samples, DClHQ@Cu‐BTC (25 mM) exhibits the lowest bandgap, enabling enhanced photocatalytic activity. The catalyst demonstrates an impressive 96% MB degradation efficiency within 3 h; with the highest efficiency observed at neutral pH 7. Furthermore, the material retains its stability for up to four degradation cycles, confirming its reusability. The pristine Cu‐BTC and its composite facilitates dye degradation through a Z‐scheme charge transfer mechanism, where synergistic charge transfer promotes the formation of reactive oxygen species, accelerating the degradation process. This study highlights the potential of DClHQ@Cu‐BTC as an efficient and stable catalyst for wastewater treatment applications.