2-Methylimidazole-modulated UiO-66 as an effective photocatalyst to degrade Rhodamine B under visible light

Abstract

We report herein a versatile new approach for improving the photodegradation performance of UiO-66 by introducing 2-methylimidazole through a straightforward in situ one-pot solvothermal method. The resultant complex UiO-66-M-0.7 has demonstrated a reaction rate constant of 0.0183 min−1 in the photodegradation of rhodamine B under visible light, which is 69.4% higher than that with unmodulated UiO-66. Further investigation has confirmed that the improved activity can be attributed to enhanced adsorption of the dye by the photocatalyst during the adsorption–desorption equilibrium. The main active species involved in the photodegradation process have been identified as h+ and O2−·. In addition, the complex has shown ideal stability in recycling tests and excellent activity in the degradation of methylene blue. This study provides a novel perspective for the future design of various photocatalysts with superior performance. 2-Methylimidazole-modulated UiO-66 exhibits increased catalytic performance in the photodegradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light because of enhanced adsorption of RhB on the catalyst during the adsorption-desorption equilibrium.