Oxidized g-C3N4 assembled Cu/Co-MOF composites for photocatalytic hydrogen production and pollutant degradation

Photocatalytic hydrogen production or pollutant degradation via solar energy faces inherent challenges, including the necessity of product separation and limitations arising from insufficient material stability. This study reports a microsphere composite material (CNO@CuCoMOF) featuring in situ growth of copper-cobalt bimetallic organic frameworks (CuCoMOF) on protonated mesoporous g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets (CNO), designed for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production and pollutant degradation. Under visible light irradiation (λ > 420 nm), this catalyst exhibits a hydrogen evolution rate of up to 14.79 mmol g −1 h −1 . Simultaneously, its degradation rate constants for Rhodamine B (RhB) and Tetracycline (TC) are 0.284 min −1 and 0.025 min −1 , respectively, demonstrating outstanding bifunctional photocatalytic performance. Benefiting from its superior structure, the catalyst exhibits outstanding sustainability (retaining over 90% of its activity after five cycles). Characterization and computational studies reveal that the Cu/Co bimetallic synergistic effect enhanced light absorption, promoted charge separation, and reduced the H 2 evolution barrier. This study provides valuable insights for the rational design of carbon nitride-based bimetallic hybrid systems and advances their application in green energy production.