Metal organic framework-derived C-doped ZnO/TiO2 nanocomposite catalysts for enhanced photodegradation of Rhodamine B

[Display omitted] •Bimetallic metal-organic frameworks (Zn/Ti-MOF) were synthesized via microwave hydrothermal method.•C-doped ZnO/TiO2 particles were successfully synthesized by one-step controllable pyrolysis of Zn/Ti-MOF.•The as-prepared C-doped ZnO/TiO2 exhibited a higher Rhodamine B photocatalytic degradation activity.•The possible mechanism for the photocatalytic process of C-doped ZnO/TiO2 was proposed. A series of C-doped ZnO/TiO2 composites with various molar ratios of ZnO to TiO2 were synthesized by one-step controllable pyrolysis of Zn/Ti bimetallic metal-organic frameworks (Zn/Ti-MOF). The Zn/Ti-MOF was prepared using a facile microwave hydrothermal method. Electron microscopic analysis proved that the composites presented regularity cubic morphology with an edge length of about 1 μm and the C atoms were successfully doped into ZnO/TiO2 composites. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurement results confirmed the C-doping in the ZnO/TiO2. Comparative experimental studies showed that 2% ZnO/TiO2 composites prepared with the calcination temperature of 600℃ displayed the best photocatalytic degradation efficiency (94%) of RhB under the simulated sunlight irradiation. Cyclical experiment indicated the high stability and reusability of 2% ZnO/TiO2 composites. Electron spin resonance (ESR) and trapping experiments illustrated that the produced O2− served as the main active species for the efficient RhB removal. This work provides an efficient way for preparing C-doped bimetal oxides composites, which would have an important application prospect in the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants in environmental water.