In situ preparation of Bi2WO6/CAU-17 photocatalyst with excellent photocatalytic activity for dye degradation.

As an organic–inorganic hybrid material, metal organic frameworks (MOFs) has a great development prospect in the field of photocatalysis. Herein, the in situ growth of Bi-based MOF (CAU-17) on Bi₂WO₆ was utilized to obtain Bi₂WO₆/CAU-17 photocatalyst by a simple solvothermal transformation method. Bi₂WO₆ can be used both as template and Bi source. The structure and morphology of Bi₂WO₆/CAU-17 composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction patterns, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectra, UV–vis diffuse reflectance absorption spectra and scanning electronic microscopy, and transmission electron microscope. The results showed Bi₂WO₆/CAU-17 composites were successfully constructed by growing CAU-17 in situ on Bi₂WO₆. Compared with pure Bi₂WO₆ and CAU-17, Bi₂WO₆/CAU-17-1 h composite exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Rhodamine B, and its rate constant was 0.02083 min⁻¹. In addition, the quantum yield and space time yield of the obtained photocatalyst were 2.56 × 10⁻⁶ molecules/photon and 1.28 × 10⁻⁷ molecules/photon·mg, respectively. Bi₂WO₆/CAU-17 also exhibits better values of the modified FOM (figure of merit). This method provides a potential opportunity for the development of in situ growth of similar MOF materials for water treatment and other possible applications in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]