Enhanced Photoreactivity of MOFs by Intercalating Interlayer Bands via
simultaneous −N=C=O and −SCu Modification
Abstract
Herein, we propose a novel method to enhance the photoreactivity of an
MOF catalyst by grafting isocyanate bonds (−N=C=O) and
sulfhydryl-complexed copper (−SCu) onto ZIF-8 (NIF-SCu). The grafting
process intercalated interlayer bands between the conduction and valence
bands of ZIF-8, thereby providing a “ladder” for facile electron
transition. The extreme improvement in the photoreactivity of NIF-SCu
could be attributed to the enhancement in light responses in the range
of 350–450 nm by −N=C=O groups and the widening of the visible light
range of the MOF by −SCu groups. The formation of staggered energy
levels in NIF-SCu could also narrow the band gap, lower the resistance,
and facilitate the transfer of photogenerated carriers, thereby
generating electrons with strong reduction potential in the −SCu
conduction band. This study provides a new strategy for improving or
even endowing the photoactivity of environmental functional materials
with wide bandgaps.