Efficient photocatalytic performance of hydrogen bonding between P25 and microcrystalline cellulose aerogel†

A series of MC/P25 composite aerogels (MCAPs) were newly designed by the sol–gel method and CO₂ supercritical drying technology. Under visible light irradiation, the optimized MCAP exhibits enhanced photocatalytic performance with a AO7 degradation rate of 0.01746 min⁻¹, which is 6.6 times higher than that of P25. The enhanced photocatalytic performance can be mainly ascribed to the constructed H-bonds between microcrystalline cellulose and P25. Photocurrent–time curves and photoluminescence spectra all certified the increased photogenerated carrier transfer rates of MCAP due to the presence of H-bonds. This work indicates that the presence of H-bonds can efficiently transfer photo-induced electrons and limit the recombination of photogenerated carriers. Furthermore, as a 3D aerogel photocatalyst, the photocatalytic stability is improved.