Construction of a multifunctional Cu-HHTP/FeO(OH) heterojunction for high-performance photocatalysis and Li-ion...

In this study, a Cu-HHTP/FeO(OH) composite material was successfully synthesized by incorporating uniquely structured FeO(OH) fabricated via a template-directed method into the self-assembly process of Cu-HHTP. The Cu-HHTP/FeO(OH) composite demonstrated a hexagonal-petal shape with Cu-HHTP nanoparticles uniformly attached to the surface of FeO(OH). The two components are interconnected via C-O-Fe bonds and form a heterojunction structure, which results in a narrow band gap (1.80 eV) compared to the individual components. This enhanced structure improves light utilization and facilitates the separation of photogenerated charges. Furthermore, the conductive MOF material Cu-HHTP promotes the transport of photogenerated charges and optimizes reaction kinetics. These features endow the Cu-HHTP/FeO(OH) composite with significantly improved photoelectrochemical properties. The Cu-HHTP/FeO(OH) composite demonstrated significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity, achieving methyl orange (MO) decolorization rates and rate constants, which are 1.4-17.4 times higher than those of its individual components. It also exhibited superior performance in rhodamine B (RhB) decolorization, further confirming the synergistic effect between Cu-HHTP and FeO(OH). Moreover, the Cu-HHTP/FeO(OH) heterojunction also exhibited remarkable electrochemical performance as an anode for lithium-ion batteries. The results demonstrated that this heterojunction composite material exhibited versatility and possessed great application potential in photocatalysis and lithium-ion batteries.