An efficiently heterogeneous photocatalyst for degradation of cation and neutral dyes under UV light based on size-dependent effects of tetracarboxyate complex.

Heterogeneous photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes has attracted tremendous attention due to be economical and environmentally friendly. We present herein a tetracarboxyate photocatalyst (Mgtptc) based on MgO 6 octahedral. With increased particle size of Mgtptc , the PL intensity displayed a quenching effect as well as a lengthened emission lifetime, which might contribute to photoinduced electron−hole pairs separation. Mgtptc at the particle size of 0.45–0.30 ​μm showed highly photocatalytic activity in degradation of cation and neutral dyes upon UV light exposure. Based on the reactive species capturing, the responsible photocatalytic mechanism was discussed in detail. Furthermore, degradation efficiency of MB was not of significant loss after five consecutive cycles, suggesting its excellent photostability. A tetracarboxyate photocatalyst based on MgO6 octahedra, with its increased particle size, displayed a quenching effect as well as the lengthened emission lifetime. It might contribute to photoinduced electron−hole pairs' separation. Image 1 • A heterogeneous catalyst (Mgtptc) of excellent photostability and environmental friendliness is proposed. • The PL intensities of Mgtptc displays a quenching effect with its increasing particle size. • Mgtptc displays its highly selective photoactivity for cation and neutral dyes upon UV light irradiation. • A mechanism is proposed to rationalize the complete mineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]