Coating BiOCl@g-C3N4 nanocomposite with a metal organic framework: Enhanced visible light photocatalytic activities

Bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl), limited by a wide band gap, makes it poor perform in visible-light-driven photodegradation. The novel semiconductor composites of BiOCl/g-C3N4@UiO-66 composites were first prepared through the facile solvothermal approach. BiOCl/g-C3N4@UiO-66 photocatalysts were characterized and BiOCl nanoplates and g-C3N4 nanosheets were successful constructed and further decorated on the surface with UiO-66. In comparison with the binary composites and the pure materials, BiOCl/g-C3N4@UiO-66 exhibits the higher RhB photocatalytic degradation under visible light irradiation. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of BiOCl/g-C3N4@UiO-66 composites can be attributed to the lower recombination probability of electron-hole pair of the heterojunction, increased surface area for RhB adsorption accomplished with photodegradation process. In this work, novel BiOCl/g-C3N4@UiO-66 composites were first prepared through the facile solvothermal approach via coating UiO-66 on the surface of BiOCl/g-C3N4. The materials exhibit higher RhB photocatalytic degradation under visible light irradiation, which can be attributed to the lower recombination probability of electron-hole pair of the heterojunction and increased surface area for RhB adsorption accomplished with during photodegradation process. [Display omitted] •Composited BiOCl with g-C3N4 enhances visible light absorption ability and generate of more photo generated electron-holes.•Enhanced photocatalytic activity of BiOCl/g-C3N4@UiO-66 has been observed compared to pristine and binary composites.•Coating UiO-66 on the surface of BiOCl/g-C3N4 enhance BET surface area and facilitate electron-hole separation efficiency.