Three-Dimensional Cadmium–Organic Framework with Dual Functions of Oxygen Evolution in Water Splitting and Fenton-like Photocatalytic Removal of Organic Pollutants

Abstract

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have exhibited appreciable potential as catalytic agents in the field of material science. The research of new MOFs with dual functions in electrocatalysis and photocatalysis under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is extremely pivotal for renewable energy applications. Hence, we synthesized a series of three-dimensional MOFs, namely, [Cd(bimb)2(HITA)2]n (Cd-MOF 1), {[Cd(bimb)6](NO3)2}n (Cd-MOF 2), and [Cd(bimb)4(ONO2)2]n (Cd-MOF 3) (bimb = 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene; H2ITA = 5-hydroxyisophthalic acid), with applicability in the oxygen evolution reaction process and Fenton-like photocatalysis. The obtained results show that Cd-MOF 1 exhibited the most remarkable catalytic performance, affording a current density of 10 mA cm-2 at a very low overpotential of 279 mV and the smallest Tafel slope of 85.13 mV dec-1. Meanwhile, these MOFs can generate hydroxyl radicals (•OH) under UV light irradiation with the existence of H2O2, enabling the rapid degradation of organic pollutants. This study provides a valuable direction for producing multifunctional and environmentally friendly catalysts.