Transition-state defect structure: A new strategy for TiO2-based porous materials to enhance photodegradation of pollutants

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to investigate the derived structure and properties of Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (ZIF-8), and the effect of residual structural on the catalytic properties after loading with Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂). For this purpose, we ingeniously prepare C-ZIF-8@TiO₂ with a transition-state defect structure and apply it for efficiently degrading organic dye wastewater represented by Rhodamine B (Rh-B). Thanks to the transition-state defect structure loaded with TiO₂ and ZIF-8 self-derived Carbon (C) and Zinc Oxide (ZnO), the catalytic performance of C-ZIF-8@TiO₂ is superior to that of TiO₂ and normal TiO₂/ZIF-8 composites, and it is effective in degrading a variety of antibiotics and dyes. The related characterization also shows good photovoltaic properties and long-term durability for C-ZIF-8@TiO₂. The mechanism on free radical action is elucidated and the possible degradation pathway for Rh-B is speculated. Therefore, C-ZIF-8@TiO₂ provides a new strategy for the degradation of organic pollutants in water bodies.

Keywords: Dyes and antibiotics; Photocatalytic degradation; Self-derived; Transition-state defect structure.