Construction of Z-Scheme ZIF67/NiMoO4 Heterojunction for Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Antibiotic Pollutants
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: The rational design of heterojunction photocatalysts enabling fast transportation and efficient separation of photoexcited charge carriers is the key element in visible light-driven photocatalyst systems. Herein, we develop a unique Z-scheme heterojunction consisting of NiMoO4 microflowers (NMOF) and ZIF67, referred to as ZINM (composite), for the purpose of antibiotic degradation. ZIF67 was produced by a solution process, whereas NMOF was synthesized via coprecipitation with a glycine surfactant. The NMOF exhibited a monoclinic phase with a highly oriented, interconnected sheet-like morphology. The ZINM showed better optical and charge transfer characteristics than its constituents, ZIF67 and NiMoO4. Consequently, the developed heterojunction photocatalysts exhibited superior photocatalytic redox capability; the ZINM30 (the composite with 30 wt.% of NiMoO4 loaded) could degrade 91.67% of tetracycline and 86.23% of norfloxacin within 120 min. This enhanced photocatalytic activity was attributable to the reduced bandgap (Egap = 2.01 eV), unique morphology, high specific surface area (1099.89 m2/g), and intimate contact between ZIF67 and NiMoO4, which facilitated the establishment of the Z-scheme heterojunction. Active species trapping tests verified that •O2− and h+ were the primary species, supporting the proposed degradation mechanism. This work highlights a valid Z-scheme ZIF67/NiMoO4 heterojunction system for efficient carrier separation and, therefore, enhanced photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics.
Source: Materials
DOI: 10.3390/ma17246225
Institution: Gachon University
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,955
Awards: G1050019434, G719733969, G8449873402
OpenAlex ID: W4405644593