Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity of the AgI/UiO‐66(Zr) Composite for Rhodamine B Degradation under Visible‐Light Irradiation

Abstract

Abstract Visible‐light photocatalysts that degrade organic pollutants in an efficient and recyclable way are highly desirable for water treatment. In this study, UiO‐66, a zirconium‐based metal–organic framework, was conjugated with AgI to obtain a composite for use as photocatalyst. The AgI/UiO‐66 composites with different composition ratios were synthesized by a simple solution method and exhibited remarkable activity for the degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) under visible‐light irradiation. The scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction results confirmed the outstanding structural stability of the AgI/UiO‐66 photocatalysts. The photocatalytic stability of the AgI/UiO‐66 composite was further examined by reusing AgI/UiO‐66 for long‐term dye degradation. The good stability of the AgI/UiO‐66 composite can be attributed to the outstanding stability of the UiO‐66 framework material, as well as the good interaction between AgI and the UiO‐66 framework. The mechanism of the photocatalytic RhB degradation by AgI/UiO‐66 was investigated by introducing different scavengers to compete for the possible reactive species involved in the degradation process.