Facile Synthesis of Laccase Mimic Cu/HBTC MOF for Efficient Dye Degradation and Detection of Phenolic Pollutants

Herein, we report an effectual method for designing a novel form of nanozyme laccase mimic namely Cu/HBTC, using copper ions and 1,3,5-benzene tricarboxylic acid (1,3,5-HBTC). This Cu-based metal-organic framework (MOF) was synthesized through a simple procedure of mixing of two usual reagents at room temperature. Amido Black 10B (AB-10B) was chosen as a model dye for degradation consequences. Results showed that Cu/HBTC MOF revealed significantly higher catalytic efficacy under certain conditions like high pH, extreme temperature and high salt conditions and it has long-term storage stability, which can lead to a significant decline in catalytic activity of laccase. In addition, the degradation of AB-10B was up to 60% after ten cycles, showing good recyclability of Cu/HBTC MOF. The UV-visible spectral changes clearly showed that Cu/HBTC MOF is an effective laccase mimic for the degradation of azo dye AB-10B, which was degraded more easily within the time duration of 60 min. The Cu/HBTC MOF also possessed fundamental activities like laccase with regard to oxidation of the phenolic compounds. Moreover, a technique for the quantitative detection of epinephrine by Cu/HBTC MOF was established. These findings help to understand the laccase-like reactivity and provide a basis for the future design and application of metal-based catalysts.