Efficient adsorption and photocatalysis over a photorenewable uranyl-organic framework for removal of diquat herbicide

Adsorption and photocatalysis are generally considered an environmental friendliness and effective methods for eliminating organic pollutants. Developing bifunctional materials that integrate adsorption and photocatalysis can fully leverage the adsorption effect to increase the interaction between herbicides and photocatalysts, thus improving their photocatalytic degradation efficiency. To achieve the absorption and photocatalytic activity on contaminants, a light-sensitive three-dimensional uranyl-organic framework (UOF) named HNU-80 with an anionic skeleton was synthesized in this work. The charge characteristics of its electrostatic attraction with cations and the suitable band structure for producing reactive oxygen endow it with the potential for efficient adsorption and photocatalytic oxidation of the cationic diquat herbicide. The maximum adsorption capacity is up to 97.92 mg·g−1, and the adsorbed diquat could be completely degraded under light irradiation. In addition, the regenerated HNU-80 exhibits high reusability in subsequent adsorption cycle experiments. The adsorption mechanism is attributed to the electrostatic and π…π interaction between HNU-80 and diquat, while the photodegradation mechanism is due to the oxidation and decomposition of diquat by reactive oxygen species generated from the radiation of HNU-80. This work provides a promising candidate for the harmless treatment of organic pollutants, and the combination of photocatalytic property also promotes the regeneration of the UOF adsorbents for continued use.