Ni(2,2′-bipy)3]Cl2 activated sepiolite clay with high photocatalytic and oil–water separation abilities

Abstract

Novel [Ni(2,2′-bipy)3]Cl2 activated sepiolite clay composites have been successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal reaction method. The activated clays are endowed with much higher photocatalytic abilities than the raw one. Degradation ratios of rhodamine B and methyl orange under UV light were found up to 99.8% and 95.4% within 120min. Beside efficient dye degradations, a high H2 evolution rate of 12.5 umol/g/h was reached by using the [Ni(2,2′-bipy)3]Cl2/sepiolite composite as the catalyst. Coating the as-synthesized material on surfaces leads to extraordinary superhydrophobic and superoleophilic properties. The cheap materials can be widely used in photocatalytic water purification and/or oil-water mixture separations.