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Fabrication of a novel core–shell CQDs@ZIF-8 composite with enhanced photocatalytic activity

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Abstract

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) materials have aroused growing attention in the domain of photocatalysis owing to their unique properties, especially in the removal of contaminants. Herein, a novel carbon quantum dots (CQDs)-decorated MOF (ZIF-8) composite with excellent photocatalytic activity was prepared by a facile impregnation approach. The well-designed core–shell structure endows the composite with a remarkable absorptive capability and enhanced visible light response. CQDs@ZIF-8 composite exhibited superior photocatalytic removal efficiency of methylene blue, and the reaction rate constant was 6 times that of ZIF-8. The enhancement of the photocatalytic efficiency was attributed to the highly effective separation and transport of photo-induced charge, abundant reactive sites, and improved visible light response ability. Meanwhile, the CQDs@ZIF-8 photocatalyst possesses dependable structural and capability stability in the reuse of pollutant removal. This study would offer an underlying insight into the innovative design of high performance photocatalyst in environmental remediation.

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Acknowledgements

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

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  1. Yunhui Si and Xiaorong Li contributed equally to this paper.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Materials, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People’s Republic of China

    Yunhui Si

  2. Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People’s Republic of China

    Xiaorong Li

  3. Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Special Functional Materials, Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Advanced Technology of Ceramics, Guangdong Research Center for Interfacial Engineering of Functional Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, People’s Republic of China

    Yunhui Si, Guie Yang, Xiaoli Mie & Laobao Ge

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  1. Yunhui Si
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Si, Y., Li, X., Yang, G. et al. Fabrication of a novel core–shell CQDs@ZIF-8 composite with enhanced photocatalytic activity. J Mater Sci 55, 13049–13061 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-020-04909-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-020-04909-8

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