The facile fabrication and structural control of carbon‐MIL‐125 by coupling pre‐hydrolysate and Ti‐MOF for photocatalytic sterilization under visible light

Abstract

AbstractBACKGROUNDCarbon‐MIL‐125 can be successfully prepared from pre‐hydrolysate and metal oxide TiO2 (Ti‐MOF) by coupling hydrothermal and carbonization processes. The use of this pre‐hydrolysate to prepare carbon (C)‐based materials could provide a value‐added product and allow the more complete use of bioresources. Combining the photocatalytic bactericidal properties of Ti‐MOF and adsorption capacity of biomass‐based C materials could further improve the antibacterial efficiency of the materials, and C could expand the response range of TiO2 to light and reduce the reorganization rate of photogenerated electrons and holes. This strategy could potentially increase the rate and efficiency of catalytic reactions.RESULTSThe morphologies and structures of samples were controlled via one‐ and two‐step routes. The obtained samples exhibited 1‐2 μm size and different morphologies. C1‐MIL‐125 showed a spherical morophology via ont‐step, C2‐MIL‐125 displayed a new type of rough tablet structure via two‐step. Meanwhile, Ti exists in the form of the mixture of TiO2 in the anatase and rutile phases. The catalytic activity of mixed TiO2 forms is higher than pure anatase or rutile, removal of Escherichia coli could reach 99.00% and 98.67% under a xenon lamp via one‐ and two‐step processes, respectively.CONCLUSIONThis work could realize high value‐added utilization of biomass and is expected to provide new prospects for the design of superior photocatalysts for water disinfection. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry