Synergistic integration of sensing and device-free photocatalytic degradation: All-in-one CuNCs@CS/MOF nanoplatform for 2-mercaptobenzothiazole

As novel energy level-tunable photocatalysts, copper nanoclusters (CuNCs) have been used for combining with conventional catalysts to synergize enhanced the catalytic capabilities. However, conventional photocatalysts have their own drawbacks. In particular, their fixed energy levels are unfavorable for regulating the energy level structure of composite catalysts. In this study, a novel nanoplatform (CuNCs@CS/MOF) was constructed for the detection and photocatalytic degradation of MBT. The chitosan-modified CuNCs were encapsulated within the MOF matrix. The CuNCs maintained an aggregated state and the rotation of their ligands was restricted, thereby further enhancing the photoluminescence intensity and photostability of CuNCs. When exposed to light irradiation, CuNCs@CS/MOF showed remarkable photocatalytic activity, and the underlying mechanism governing the photocatalytic degradation process was elaborated in detail. Specifically, CuNCs@CS/MOF generated photogenerated electrons and holes, the photogenerated electrons reacted with H 2 O 2 to produce ·OH, while the remaining holes accepted electrons donated by MBT. The generated ROS oxidized TMB to oxidized TMB (oxTMB) under light irradiation, which was thereafter diminished by MBT. On this basis, the quantitative detection of MBT was established. Furthermore, ROS could oxidize and decompose MBT into small-molecule fragments, thus achieving the efficient elimination of MBT. This work provides an attractive strategy for designing multifunctional novel nanoplatform, which can be applied for the accurate detection and further harmless treatment of pollutants.