Elaborate construction of a MOF-derived novel morphology Z-scheme ZnO/ZnCdS heterojunction for enhancing photocatalytic H 2 evolution and tetracycline degradation

Elaborate construction of novel Z-scheme heterojunction with exceptional morphology derived from metal-organic framework (MOF) have been attracted greatly interest for improving the photocatalytic ability. Herein, a Z-scheme ZnO/ZnCdS heterojunction of rare morphology with ultrathin-nanosheet assembled hierarchical morphology ZnCdS supporting on rich gap ZnO nanospheres were constructed from Zn-based MOF (namely PZH-139) for the first time. This unique feature increased specific surface area, offered abundant mass transport channels and accessible catalytic active sites, accelerated electron migration, which highly elevated photocatalytic property. Furthermore, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements and density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirmed the reservation of strong redox capability owing to Z-scheme electron transfer path and the ΔG H* closer to zero of Z-scheme ZnO/ZnCdS system were another two key factors for boosting the photocatalytic activity. As a result, 3-ZnO -700 /ZnCdS -160 with optimal morphology showed the best H 2 generation performance of 15.43 mmol h −1  g −1 and degradation tetracycline (TC) efficiency of 98.14 %. This work offered a novel and feasible idea for elaborate synthesis of the high-efficiency Z-scheme ZnO/ZnCdS heterojunction with special morphology derived from Zn-MOF.