Metal organic framework derivative-TiO2 composite as efficient and durable photocatalyst for the degradation of toluene

In this paper, the TiO2 catalyst is successfully modified with a metal organic framework derivative, N-doped graphite carbon (GC-N), by pyrolyzing ZIF-8 using a hydrothermal method. The resulting GC-N-TiO2 catalyst displays significantly improved performance in the photocatalytic degradation of toluene compared with Pt catalyst. In addition, the material exhibited high durability with stable performance after 20 recycles in static conditions and after 24 h of continuous use in dynamic conditions. The superior performance was attributed to the high conductivity and chemical stability of the catalyst. Also, the rich pyridinic N in GC-N facilitates the transfer of photogenerated electrons to oxygen, thereby promoting the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This work provides new insight into the application of metal organic framework derivatives as a possible alternative to noble metal loaded materials in photocatalytic degradation of VOCs.