A novel amorphous CoSx/NH2-MIL-125 composite for photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B under visible light

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are a new type of porous crystal materials that have been widely used in various fields. Owing to their adjustable porous structure, MOF photocatalysts with high catalytic activity have become a research hotspot. In this study, NH 2 -MIL-125/CoS x samples were investigated as a novel visible light-responsive catalyst for the removal of organic dye. The NH 2 -MIL-125/CoS x -20 composites showed the best photodegradation efficiency, where photodegradation of the rhodamine B reached 95.4% in 45 min. CoS x was able to effectively extend the wavelength absorption range of NH 2 -MIL-125 and effectively separate the photogenerated electrons and holes and that could lead to the improved photocatalytic performance of the composites. The reactive superoxide radical ( · O 2− ) was identified as the main active species using reactive species capture experiments, and a reasonable photocatalytic mechanism was proposed. This paper is intended to guide the development of organic–inorganic hybrid materials for environmental remediation.