A stable and efficient La-doped MIL-53(Al)/ZnO photocatalyst for sulfamethazine degradation

Photocatalytic technology can solve various environmental pollution problems, especially antibiotic pollution. A novel La-doped MIL-53(Al)/ZnO composite material was successfully synthesized by a combination of hydrothermal method and calcination, showing high photocatalytic degradation percent of sulfamethazine (SMT). The 2 mol% La MIL-53(Al)/ZnO photocatalyst shows the highest degradation efficiency toward SMT (92%) within 120 min, which is 4.1 times higher than pure ZnO (increased from 18% to 92%). In addition, the degradation analysis of SMT by high performance liquid chromatography proves that the products are CO2 and H2O. The improved photocatalytic activity is mostly caused by the following factors. (1) Doping La ions can decrease the band gap of ZnO, enhance light response, and effectively enhance the separation rate of photo-generated holes and electrons. (2) MIL-53(Al) can adsorb SMT and promote the separation of electron. This work shows that the synthesized La-doped MIL-53(Al)/ZnO photocatalyst is expected to be used as a green and effective method for treatment of environment water pollution.