Preparation of MOF derived ZnO/CuO/Cu2O photocatalytic materials

ZnO/CuO/Cu2O composites were prepared by a simple calcination process from Zn-2(OH)(2)CO3 and Cu-MOF raw materials. Results show that the main phase of the products was ZnO. When the Cu-MOF content of the raw material was high (>= 5 wt.%), the samples had a small amount of CuO and Cu2O. Cu2+ replaces Zn2+ on the surface lattice of ZnO, resulting in lattice distortion of ZnO. These copper oxide promoted the specimen to effectively increase their light absorption in the entire light region. Under UV light irradiation, the samples exhibited suitable photocatalytic properties. The S3 sample can degrade 99% of the MB solution within 120 min. The visible light catalytic performance of the sample was poor. The photocatalyst exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity with the assistance of H2O2. Under UV light and visible light irradiation, the MB solution could be degraded in 6 and 30 min with the assistance of H2O2, respectively. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of this sample can be attributed to the lattice distortion of ZnO and the increase of the CuO/Cu2O content.