Plasmonic Ag nanoparticles decorated MIL-101(Fe) for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of bisphenol A with peroxymonosulfate under visible-light irradiation

Photocatalytic activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) has garnered a lot of interest in the field of wastewater treatment. Herein, a plasmonic Ag nanoparticles decorated MIL-101(Fe) hybrid was synthesized through a photodeposition process. Upon light irradiation, the Ag/MIL-101(Fe) exhibit reinforced photocatalytic activities for elimination of bisphenol A (BPA) with PMS. The optimized 2.0% Ag/MIL-101(Fe) composite presented the highest photocatalytic activity with kinetic constant k of 0.102 min−1, which was about 10-fold of the pristine MIL-101(Fe). Loading of plasmonic Ag into MIL-101(Fe) boosts photoinduced carrier separation and accelerates PMS activation to generate strong oxidative radicals. Photoelectrochemical tests and multiple spectroscopic studies confirmed the promoted charge carrier separation and transfer capability of Ag/MIL-101(Fe). Combining the results of radical trapping experiments and electron spin resonance (ESR), the formed SO4•−, •OH, •O2− and 1O2 had a significant role in the photocatalytic process. According to intermediate study, the degradation pathway was studied, and the possible mechanism was proposed.