Self-template synthesis of core-shell ZnO@ZIF-8 nanospheres and the photocatalysis under UV irradiation

Core-shell ZnO@zeolitic imidazolate frameworks-8 (ZnO@ZIF-8) nanospheres was synthesized via a self-template method. Spherical ZnO is employed not only as the template but also as Zn(II) for the composition of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks-8 (ZIF-8). Core-shell ZnO@ZIF-8 showed molecule size selectivity and good photocatalytic activity under UV irradiation, and the outer ZIF-8 shell dominated the photocatalysis via ligand metal charge transfer mechanism during the degradation of methylene blue (MB). Photocatalysis of core-shell metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) will facilitate new efforts in the treatment of pollutants. (C) 2015 Elsevier BM. All rights reserved.