A novel magnetic recyclable photocatalyst based on a core–shell metal–organic framework Fe3O4@MIL-100(Fe) for the decolorization of methylene blue dye

Abstract

We describe a novel type of magnetic recyclable Fe₃O₄@MIL-100(Fe) photocatalyst on the basis of a porous metal–organic framework (MOF) and its photocatalytic activities in the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) dye. It was found that Fe₃O₄@MIL-100(Fe) exhibited photocatalytic activity for MB dye degradation under both UV-vis and visible light irradiation, and the MB decolorization over the Fe₃O₄@MIL-100(Fe) photocatalyst followed first-order kinetics. Moreover, it can be easily separated and recycled without significant loss of photocatalytic activity after being used many times. Therefore, compared to the conventional photocatalysts of TiO₂ and C₃N₄ used in the photocatalytic degradation of dye, this magnetic core–shell photocatalyst is green, cheap and more suitable for large scale industrial applications.