Fabrication of flexible MIL-100(Fe) supported SiO2 nanofibrous membrane for visible light photocatalysis

Core/shell structured SiO2/MIL-100(Fe) fibrous membrane was prepared for photocatalytic degradation of dyes. The metal organic framework shells of MIL-100(Fe) were decorated on electrospun SiO2 nanofiber surface through layer-by-layer assembly. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy tests confirmed the successful synthesis of the MIL-100(Fe) nanoparticles. The formed SiO2/MIL-100(Fe) catalysts exhibited high catalytic activity towards degradation of Rhodamine B under visible light irradiation. The photocatalytic activity remained above 80% within 90min illumination after three cycles. Due to the easy preparation and high photocatalytic performance, as well as convenient collection for reuse, the obtained SiO2/MIL-100(Fe) membranes are promising catalysts for practical application.