Core-shell nanosheets@MIL-101(Fe) heterostructures with enhanced photocatalytic activity promoted by peroxymonosulfate

Abstract

BackgroundMetal organic frameworks (MOFs) heterojunctions, especially MOF-on-MOF structures, have provided a great opportunity to extend their applications in various fields. But it is still a great challenge to develop MOF-based heterogeneous architectures for high-efficient photocatalysts. MethodThe core-shell NS@MIL-101(Fe) architectures were synthesized through a solvothermal method in one pot. The moderately active precursor was selected as the precursor which could promote the generation of hybrid MOFs with different microstructures. Significant findingsNS@MIL-101(Fe) heterojunctions exhibit hierarchical structures composed of the octahedron MIL-101(Fe) cores covered with the ultrathin sheet-like shells. The architectures are beneficial to the production of stable photoelectrons and holes, their easy transfer and separation, which further promote the generation of various reactive oxygen species, such as •OH and SO4•−. The surface-bound metal active sites are also favorable to the formation of various radicals. The unique hybrid MOFs exhibit enhanced degradation efficiency towards Orange II through the visible-light-assisted activation of the PMS process. This facile route for the synthesis of multi-component MOFs provides a new strategy for the design of MOF-based photocatalysts.