Co/Fe-bimetallic organic framework-derived carbon-incorporated cobalt–ferric mixed metal phosphide as a highly efficient photocatalyst under visible light

A new bimetallic Co/Fe-MOF was synthesized and phosphatized to produce a visible-light-active Co/Fe binary metal phosphide embedded in a mesoporous carbon matrix (denoted by CoP/Fe 2 P@mC). The results of X-ray diffraction and photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy reveal the formation of CoP and Fe 2 P nanoparticles together with the Co and Fe metallic state. Combining the high electron–hole separation rate of Fe 2 P@mC, fast electron transfer of CoP@mC, and the strong adsorption of mesoporous carbon, the as-prepared CoP/Fe 2 P@mC catalyst exhibits substantially enhanced photocatalytic activity toward rhodamine B (RhB) degradation under visible light irradiation. Visible light harvesting efficiency is enhanced by the suitable bandgap structure of the CoP/Fe 2 P@mC photocatalyst. Moreover, the possible photocatalytic mechanism of CoP/Fe 2 P@mC toward RhB degradation was proposed on the basis of radical trapping and electron spin resonance results. This finding illustrates a potential utilization of bimetallic MOF-derived metal phosphide as a photocatalyst to remove dye pollutants in the environment.