MIL-53(Fe)-graphene nanocomposites: Efficient visible-light photocatalysts for the selective oxidation of alcohols

• MIL-53(Fe)-graphene nanocomposites were efficient catalysts toward the photocatalytic selectively oxidation of alcohols.
• Intimate interfacial contact between the MIL-53(Fe) and the GR could improve the photon-generated carrier transfer and inhibit the recombination of the photo electron-hole.
• Direct photogenerated hole-oxidation process for the selectively oxidation of alcohols under visible illuminated ambient conditions was carried out.
• High selectivity of the aldehydes or ketones were obtained by the direct hole oxidation process.

A series of MIL-53(Fe)-graphene nanocomposite photocatalysts were synthesized by a facile one-pot solvothermal reaction. All materials have been thoroughly characterized by FT-IR, SEM, TEM, PXRD, UV–vis DRS and PL analysis. It was demonstrated that the introducing of graphene on the MIL-53(Fe) would minimize the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, thus, leading to the enhancement of photocatalytic activity. MIL-53(Fe)-graphene nanocomposite was an efficient catalyst towards the photocatalytic selectively oxidation of alcohols to the corresponding aldehydes or ketones under visible light and ambient conditions. High selectivity of the aldehydes or ketones (99%) were obtained. Meanwhile, the catalyst can be recycled at least four times without loss of catalytic efficiency. A possible photocatalytic reaction mechanism involving a direct photogenerated hole-oxidation process was also investigated in detail by the active species trapping experiments and the related electrochemical analysis.

A series of MIL-53(Fe)-graphene nanocomposites photocatalysts were synthesized by a facile one-pot solvothermal reaction. MIL-53(Fe)-graphene nanocomposites were efficient catalysts toward the photocatalytic selectively oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes or ketones under visible light and ambient conditions. Introducing of graphene to the MIL-53(Fe) minimized the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, leading to the enhancement of photocatalytic activity. A possible photocatalytic reaction mechanism, direct photogenerated hole oxidation process, was also investigated.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide