Fabrication of Ag-Doped ZnO Photocatalysts Derived From MIL-125(Zn) With Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been widely used in various fields, including gas storage, separation, sensors, and catalysis, owing to their excellent performance. In this study, a zinc-based MOF [MIL-125(Zn)] was successfully synthesized using the solvothermal method, Ag-doped ZnO (Ag/ZnO) prepared by pyrolyzing Ag/MIL-125(Zn). The fabricated Ag/ZnO as photocatalyst for rhodamine (RhB) degradation. Results showed that MIL-125(Zn) derived from exhibits superior photocatalytic activity. It can degrade 99.4% of RhB under 20-min ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation, higher than those achieved (73.2%) MIL-125(ZnO) (19.6%). Furthermore, shows stability. After four degradation cycles, activity reduces only 3.6%. performance may be attributed synergistic effect Ag nanoparticles ZnO. possible mechanism on UV irradiation proposed.