Cd0.2Zn0.8S@UiO-66-NH2 nanocomposites as efficient and stable visible-light-driven photocatalyst for H2 evolution and CO2 reduction

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), a new class of porous crystalline materials, have attracted great interest as fascinating materials for sustainable energy and environmental remediation. However, the functionalization and diversification of MOFs are still challenging and imperative for the development of highly active MOF-based materials. In this study, a series of Cd0.2Zn0.8[email protected]2 nanocomposites with different UiO-66-NH2 contents were fabricated via a facile solvothermal method. The photocatalytic performances of the obtained Cd0.2Zn0.8[email protected]2 nanocomposites were evaluated by photocatalytic H2 evolution and CO2 reduction under visible-light irradiation. The resultant hybrids exhibit significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution and CO2 reduction as compared with pristine components, and the optimal UiO-66-NH2 content is 20 wt%. The composite can show a hydrogen evolution rate of 5846.5 μmol h−1 g−1 and a CH3OH production rate of 6.8 μmol h−1 g−1. The remarkable enhancement of the photocatalytic activity should be attributed to the efficient charge separation and transfer on the interface between Cd0.2Zn0.8S and UiO-66-NH2. Furthermore, the Cd0.2Zn0.8[email protected]2 photocatalysts show excellent stability during photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and CO2 reduction. This work demonstrates that MOF-based composite materials hold great promise for applications in the field of energy conversion and environmental purification.