A novel Z-scheme heterojunction Fe-BDC/TiO2 for efficient photocatalytic degradation of acetaldehyde

Constructing heterojunction structures is considered one of the effective methods to improve the activity of photocatalysts. A novel Z-Scheme heterojunction Fe-BDC/TiO2 was designed and synthesized by amorphous gel Fe-BDC and TiO2 nanoparticles with electrostatic self-assembly method. The introduction of Fe-BDC has been proved to expand the light absorption range and promote the separation and transfer of interface photo generated electrons and holes. Thus, the photocatalytic degradation efficiency of acetaldehyde by 5% Fe-BDC/TiO2 sample is 2.3 times than that of pure TiO2 sample. And the reaction rate is 2.5 times than that of pure TiO2 sample. The free radical capture experiment shows that O2− played a more important role in the degradation of acetaldehyde. In addition, in situ infrared analysis further reveals the surface species of the photocatalysts during adsorption and degradation processes. The acetaldehyde degradation route of Fe-BDC/TiO2 has been speculated. ‘1These findings provide valuable references for the design of metal oxide semiconductor/Fe based MOF heterojunctions and the efficient degradation of aldehyde VOCs.