Facile synthesis of Z-scheme heterojunction BiOCl/UiO-66-NH2 composites achieves efficient photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B

Abstract

BiOCl/UiO-66-NH₂ photocatalysts were synthesized by a hydrothermal method. BUNH-8 (BiOCl/UiO-66-NH₂ composite with 8% UiO-66-NH₂) exhibits exceptional photocatalytic performance under visible-light illumination, degrading 92% of rhodamine B (RhB) within 60 minutes, which is 38.16% greater than that of pure BiOCl. The enhanced performance of the BiOCl/UiO-66-NH₂ composite photocatalyst can be attributed to the distinct band structure difference between BiOCl and UiO-66-NH₂, facilitating effective Z-scheme charge separation and transfer under light irradiation. Superoxide radicals were determined to be the crucial active species in the photocatalytic degradation process via electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis and a simulated photocatalytic degradation experiment of the dye RhB with scavengers added. Apart from its high efficiency, BUNH-8 demonstrates excellent stability as well. Even after being reused four times, it maintains its excellent photocatalytic performance, suggesting its high potential for application.