Table 2 Estimated costs involved in the synthesis of ZIF-8/Gr.
Item | Quantity (per batch) | Unit cost (RM) | Total cost (RM) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Raw materials | ||||
Zn(NO₃)2·6H2O | 1.78 g | 0.196/g | 0.34 | ZIF-8 framework |
2-Methylimidazole | 5.26 g | 1.87/g | 9.84 | Organic linker |
Graphene Oxide (GO) suspension | 9.00 g | 23.00/g | 207.00 | |
Total raw material cost | 217.18 | |||
Synthesis process | ||||
Hydrothermal heating (180 °C) | 1.5 kWh × 18 h = 27.0 kWh | RM 0.24 per kWh* | 6.48 | Energy cost for ZIF-8/Gr synthesis |
Sonication | 0.23 kWh × 5 hours = 1.15 kWh | RM 0.24 per kWh* | 0.27 | |
Deionized water | 200 mL | RM0.01/mL | 2.00 | For dissolving reagents and washing catalyst |
Methanol (for washing) | 20 mL | RM 0.15/ mL | 3.00 | Used for ZIF-8 washing |
Deionized water (for washing) | 20 mL | RM 0.11/ mL | 2.20 | Used for ZIF-8/Gr washing |
Drying | 1.5 kWh × 24 h = 36.0 kWh | RM 0.24 per kWh* | 8.64 | Energy cost for oven operation for ZIF-8 and ZIF-8/Gr drying |
Calcination | 3.0 kWh × 4 h = 12.0 kWh | RM 0.24 per kWh* | 2.88 | Energy cost for box furnace operation |
Total process cost | 25.47 | |||
Equipment depreciation | ||||
Teflon-lined autoclave usage | – | – | 0.20 | Based on estimated equipment depreciation per batch |
Centrifuge/filtration setup | – | – | 0.10 | Equipment for recovery and filtration |
Total equipment cost | 0.30 | |||
Overall synthesis cost | 242.95 | Per batch (4.5 g photocatalyst yield) | ||
