Light-dependent electron transfer mechanism on a Z-scheme MIL-100(Fe)/AgCl/Ag heterostructure for photocatalytic...

Research on the changes in material properties caused by different light sources and the various photocatalytic mechanisms generated is of great significance for exploring new catalysts and improving catalytic efficiency. In this study, a novel composite of MIL-100(Fe)/AgCl/Ag was synthesized for photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants. Techniques such as ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectroscopy and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) were employed to monitor the degradation process of small molecule organic pollutants in real-time under different light sources. The research found that the catalytic efficiency of the catalyst under visible light is markedly higher than that under UV light. This phenomenon can attributed to the dynamic changes in the material's properties, particularly the adjustment of the interface electric field under different light sources. Specifically, under UV light irradiation, the catalyst follows a Z-scheme electron transfer pathway to achieve interband transitions. In contrast, under visible light irradiation, it operates through a Z-scheme electron transfer mechanism related to surface plasmon resonance (SPR), which effectively promotes separation of electrons and holes. As a results, the apparent reaction rate is approximately 2.5 times higher compared to that under UV light conditions. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of charge transfer mechanisms in photocatalytic reactions under different wavelength light sources, and could provide valuable insights for designing new light-responsive catalysts to improve their efficiency.