Construction of heterojunctions with in situ growth of ZnIn2S4 nanosheets on the surface of atomically dispersed Cu-modified MOFs for high-performance visible-light photocatalytic antibiotic degradation

Abstract

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are ideal candidates for obtaining composites with excellent photocatalytic properties due to their reasonable band gaps and high specific surface area. In this study, Cu@UiO-66-NH2@ZnIn2S4 nanocomposites were prepared by a two-step photoinduction method and hydrothermal method. The prepared catalysts in a range of ratios showed high visible light degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TC). Among them, 10%-Cu@UIO-66-NH2/ZnIn2S4 showed the best catalytic activity and photoelectrochemical performance. In this catalytic system, the high specific surface area and porosity of UIO-66-NH2 provide sites for the high dispersion of Cu. In addition, the introduction of Cu also reduces the band gap, which is conducive to the electron transfer between the interfaces, which results in the formation of type II heterojunctions with a unique and highly efficient electron transfer mechanism, and also enables the photocatalytic process to generate more active radicals (O2–, OH, h+). In addition, the stability of the catalyst was tested, as well as the possible degradation pathways were hypothesized to evaluate its toxicity. Thus, this study provides a strategy for the preparation of stable and efficient photocatalysts..