Preparation and photocatalytic properties of ZIF-8@BiOI/PEDOT:PSS composites

BiOI was modified with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) to function as an organic hole conductor, thereby accelerating the transfer of light-generated holes. Subsequently, the catalyst was immobilized on ZIF-8 to enhance the contact area between the active sites of the catalyst and the pollutant. The successful preparation of the ZIF-8@BiOI/PEDOT:PSS was confirmed through various characterizations. Compared to pure BiOI, the ZIF-8@BiOI/PEDOT:PSS composite material demonstrates markedly enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity in the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) dye. The ZIF-8@BiOI/PEDOT:PSS composite photocatalyst exhibits a maximum RhB degradation efficiency of 92.64%, with a degradation rate constant (k) approximately 2.9 times higher than that of pure BiOI. Additionally, the ZIF-8@BiOI/PEDOT:PSS also exhibits outstanding photocatalytic performance in the degradation of methylene blue and methyl orange. Moreover, its catalytic activity remains nearly unchanged after five consecutive reuse cycles, demonstrating excellent recyclability. This study presents a novel strategy for improving the photocatalytic performance of such materials.