Vertically grown CeO and TiO nanoparticles over the MIL53Fe MOF as proper band alignments for efficient H generation and 2,4-DCP degradation.

The design of highly efficient photoca talysts for clean energy production and environmental remediation are the grand challenges of scientific research. Herein, TiO@MIL53Fe and CeO@MIL53Fe composite photocatalysts are synthesized via solvothermal technique. The SEM and TEM micrographs reveal that TiO and CeO nanoparticles are vertically grown onto the surface of MIL53Fe MOF. Further, HRTEM micrograph confirmed the formation of heterojunction. It has been investigated that the resultant TiO@MIL53Fe and CeO@MIL53Fe photocatalysts exhibit remarkably improved visible light activities for H production and 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) degradation in comparison to the bare MIL53Fe photocatalyst. The enhanced photoactivities of the fabricated TiO@MIL53Fe and CeO@MIL53Fe photocatalysts are attributed to significantly promoted charge separation as confirmed via the surface photo voltage (SPV) and photoluminescence (PL) results. Further, the photocatalysts exhibit high stability and reusability as confirmed via the recyclable tests. This work will promote the design of MOF-based efficient photocatalysts for clean energy production and environment purification.