Three-Dimensional Graphene Network and UiO-66 Based Composite Photocatalysts for High Visible-Light Activity

Abstract

Three-dimensional graphene network (3DGN) and UiO-66 co-modified composite photocatalysts are prepared to decompose dye in solution. The roles of UiO-66 and 3DGN are studied based on the adsorption capacity, visible-light activity, lifetime of photo-induce electrons and electron paramagnetic resonance curves. The rates of degradation of Rhodamine-B are [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]min[Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]min[Formula: see text] under UV- and visible-light irradiation. The major function of UiO-66 is increasing the Brunner–Emmet–Teller surface area and adsorption capacity significantly, while the effect of 3DGN is playing as an electron tank and sensitizer. Moreover, the influence of mass fraction of UiO-66 on the resulting photocatalytic performances is revealed (5[Formula: see text]wt.% is found the optimized value), and the synergy is also discussed. Finally, the photocatalytic mechanisms of the resulting photocatalysts both under the UV- and visible-light irradiation are proposed.