Low-cost magnetic clay derivants from palygorskite/MIL-101(Fe) for high-performance adsorption-photocatalysis

A low-cost palygorskite (Pal)/MIL-101(Fe) was prepared by solvothermal method and calcined under nitrogen protection to form the magnetic derivant Pal/MIL-101(Fe)-400, the successful combination of which was confirmed. The band gap (1.47 eV) of Pal/MIL-101(Fe)-400 was lower than 2.25 eV of Pal/MIL-101(Fe), indicating a significant improvement in light absorption performance. In addition, Pal/MIL-101(Fe)-400 exhibits stronger photocurrent response and lower impedance due to the formation of Fe3O4 clusters with high electrical conductivity and new active centers by calcination. The prepared Pal/MIL-101(Fe)-400 can achieve 90 mg/g RhB removal completely, which is better than 77.0% adsorption of MIL-101(Fe) and 67.2% adsorption-photocatalytic of Pal/MIL-101(Fe), which also shows superparamagnetism properties and excellent cyclic stability. In addition, Pal/MIL-101(Fe)-400 mainly relies on the action of peroxy radical to oxidize organic pollutants, which is different from Pal/MIL-101(Fe). This work provides a new perspective for the construction of magnetic MOF multifunctional materials for the efficient treatment of pollutants in water. [Display omitted] •Attapulgite(ATP)/MIL-101(Fe) made by solvothermal process and calcined to derivant.•ATP/MIL-101(Fe) derivants showed improved band gap and superparamagnetism.•ATP/MIL-101(Fe) derivants have high adsorption-catalytic capacity.•ATP/MIL-101(Fe) and its derivants show different catalytic mechanisms.