Enhanced performance of dual-functional ZIF-8/Red phosphorus photocatalyst for concurrent degradation of organic dyes and hydrogen generation under natural solar light irradiation

Abstract

Herein, Zeolitic Imidazole Framework (ZIF)-8/red phosphorus photocatalysts were prepared via a solvothermal method for simultaneous organic dye degradation and hydrogen (H2) generation. The 5 wt.% ZIF-8/RP photocatalyst achieved the highest H2 generation rate of 822.5 µmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹ and 92% rhodamine dye degradation under natural sunlight irradiation. This approach offers an effective strategy to replace costly and toxic traditional electron donors with organic dye pollutants for H2 generation.