ZIF-8 derived ZnO–calcium silicate mesoporous structures: Synthesis and photocatalytic activity

Abstract

Nanoscale metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) show potential as catalysts or catalyst precursors, but they suffer from difficult separation and weak stability and do not conform to practical application conventions. Herein, we demonstrate the application of nanostructured calcium silicate hydrate (C–S–H), the building block of Portland cement concrete, to fabricate hierarchically porous zeolitic-imidazolate-framework-8 (ZIF-8)-derived ZnO nanocomposites. The dispersing and stabilizing effects of the C–S–H nanoplate structure effectively suppressed the agglomeration of ZIF-8 nanocrystals during high-temperature treatment. After calcination at 450 °C, ZnO nanocomposites with high specific surface area (579 m 2 g −1 ) and hierarchical porosity were obtained. The nanocomposites were used as photocatalysts for degradation of rhodamine B and exhibited degradation efficiency as high as 95.5% within 45 min of UV light illumination with high photocatalytic stability and excellent reusability. This study demonstrated a facile way of using economic and versatile C–S–H nanostructures to fabricate MOF and MOF-derived nanocomposites with enhanced stability and functionality. •The synthesis of MOF-derived ZnO supported on environment-friendly C–S–H is reported. •The nanocomposites presented a high specific surface area (579 m 2 g −1 ) and hierarchical porosity. •High photocatalytic activity and excellent stability and reusability were achieved. •The study opens a new route for the synthesis of green MOF-derived nanostructured composites.