Assembling ZIF-67@Cd0.5Zn0.5S nanocomposites with an enhanced photocatalytic activity

Herein, an efficient inorganic/organic hybrid photocatalyst composed of zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-67) decorated with Cd0.5Zn0.5S solid solution semiconductor was constructed. The properties of prepared ZIF67@Cd0.5Zn0.5S nanocomposite and its components (ZIF-67 and Cd0.5Zn0.5S) were investigated using XRD, FESEM, EDX, TEM, DRS and BET methods. The photocatalytic activity of fabricated ZIF-67@Cd0.5Zn0.5S nano composite were measured toward removal of methyl violet (MV) dye as a simulated organic contaminant. Under visible-light and specific conditions (photocatalyst dose 1 g/l, MV dye 10 mg/l, unmodified solution pH 6.7 and reaction time 60 min.), the acquired ZIF-67@Cd0.5Zn0.5S photocatalyst showed advanced photocatalytic activity (96.6%) than Cd0.5Zn0.5S (91.1%) and ZIF-67 (82.7%). Besides, the recyclability assessment of ZIF67@Cd0.5Zn0.5S in the degradation process showed an unimportant decrease (2.5%) after five successive cycles.

Automated summary

An efficient inorganic/organic hybrid photocatalyst composed of zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-67) decorated with Cd0.5Zn0.5S solid solution semiconductor was successfully constructed. The fabricated ZIF-67@Cd0.5Zn0.5S photocatalyst showed advanced photocatalytic activity (96.6%) in the removal of methyl violet (MV) dye under visible-light conditions. Furthermore, the recyclability assessment revealed a minor decrease (2.5%) in degradation efficiency after multiple cycles.