Synthesis and visible light photocatalytic activity of magnetic NH2-MIL-53(Fe)/NiFe2O4 photocatalysts

Abstract

Metal–organic framework (MOF) has attracted extensive attention in photocatalytic organic pollutants. However, most MOFs still have problems such as low response of visible light, easy recombination of electrons and holes, and complicated separation and recovery process. In this study, a facile approach was proposed to construct magnetic NH₂-MIL-53(Fe)/NiFe₂O₄ photocatalyst via solvothermal method. NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles with octahedral structure are closely attached onto the surface of tubular such as NH₂-MIL-53(Fe). NH₂-MIL-53(Fe)/NiFe₂O₄ has soft ferromagnetism, good paramagnetism, and magnetic response. After 210 min visible light illumination, photocatalytic efficiency of NH₂-MIL-53(Fe)/NiFe₂O₄ reaches 95.71% in the condition of methylene blue (MB) concentration as high as 30 mg/L, which is much higher than that (50.11%) of NH₂-MIL-53(Fe). After five runs, photocatalytic activity of NH₂-MIL-53(Fe)/NiFe₂O₄ only decreases to 90.41%. Consequently, magnetic NH₂-MIL-53(Fe)/NiFe₂O₄ photocatalyst has huge potential applications in removing organic dyes by a green and environmentally friendly way due to its high photocatalytic activity, high stability, and easy solid–liquid separation.