Core–shell Cu2S:NiS2@C hybrid nanostructure derived from a metal–organic framework with graphene oxide for photocatalytic synthesis of N-substituted derivatives

Abstract

Recently, photocatalysis has attracted considerable interest, leading to opportunities for using renewable energy sources. A Cu:Ni metal–organic framework (MOF) modified with graphene oxide (GO) was fabricated by a facile and convenient process. Subsequently, the Cu:Ni sulfide encapsulated on porous C with reduced GO (Cu₂S:NiS₂@C/rGO) as a core–shell nanostructure was achieved using a MOF (Cu:Ni-BTEC/GO). Cu₂S:NiS₂@C/rGO with a hybrid structure showed superior photocatalytic activity for producing N-substituted derivatives through three kinds of oxidative coupling reactions. Moreover, the MOF-derived photocatalyst exhibited good reusability and stability. The excellent photocatalytic behavior of MOF-derived bimetallic chalcogenides would channel further interest in the design, synthesis, and modification of MOFs as photocatalysts for diverse applications.