Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye via valorization of a polyethylene terephthalate plastic waste-derived metal–organic framework-based ZnO@Co-BDC composite catalyst

. Furthermore, the effects of catalyst dose, irradiation time, pH, and MB concentration were optimized for the efficient composite catalyst ZnO@Co-BDC. The photodegradation mechanism was also investigated through UV-DRS and quenching experiments in the presence of different scavengers. Meanwhile, the developed composite demonstrated excellent recovery and reuse capabilities for up to six cycles under optimal conditions. The developed MOF-based composite catalyst enabled the simultaneous valorization of plastic waste and remediation of environmental pollutants by converting waste to wealth.