Constructing a Z-scheme Fe-MOF-based heterostructure for visible-light-driven oxidation of aromatic alcohol in ambient air

Photocatalytic oxidation of aromatic alcohol into aromatic aldehyde using O 2 has received huge attention, while the reaction that occurred in ambient air is rarely studied but follows the green-chemistry principles. Herein, spindle-shaped MIL-53(Fe)-NH 2 @ZnIn 2 S 4 photocatalysts with a Z-scheme heterostructure were facilely developed for photocatalytic oxidation of aromatic alcohol in air under visible light. The benzyl alcohol conversion can be notably enhanced to 73% over the optimal MIL-53-NH 2 @ZnIn 2 S 4 sample with a benzaldehyde production rate of 1825 μmol g –1 h –1 . However, in the O 2 atmosphere, the benzyl alcohol conversion is only 56%, indicating that O 2 is not required and has an adverse effect on the reaction. The hierarchical structure and Z-scheme heterojunction of MIL-53-NH 2 @ZnIn 2 S 4 impart an efficient separation and strong redox abilities of photo-induced electrons and holes, which are responsible for the impressive photocatalytic performance. This study could motivate the ingenious design of Z-scheme heterostructures for green organic conversion based on MOFs.