A multifunctional membrane based on TiO2/PCN-224 heterojunction with synergistic photocatalytic-photothermal activity under visible-light irradiation

Photocatalysis is widely recognized as a promising method for various clean applications, and membrane technology is emerging as a potential functional form of photocatalysts. In this paper, an organic–inorganic TiO2/PCN-224 (TP) core-shell hybrid was fabricated and loaded on a PVDF membrane using vacuum filtration technique. This integration enabled the creation of a multifunctional TP-constructed-membrane with synergistic photocatalytic-photothermal activity for H2 generation, tetracycline (TC) degradation and inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The high efficiency of the TP membrane under visible light can be attributed to the photothermal and photodynamic effects induced by PCN-224, as well as the role of TiO2 as the electron transfer platform. Moreover, the superhydrophilicity of the TP membrane facilitated enhanced rates of water-based catalytic reactions. As a result, under visible light, the optimal TP membrane demonstrated remarkable outcomes under visible light, including H2 generation at a rate of 1.88 mmol g−1 h−1, 86% degradation of TC (at a concentration of 50 mg/L) and 99.99% inactivation of S. aureus. These results exemplify the achievement of multiple objectives with a single catalyst, truly embodying the concept of "three birds, one stone".