Template-free hierarchical trimetallic oxide photocatalyst derived from organically modified ZnCuCo layered double hydroxide

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production Vol. 366; p. 132761
• Main Authors: Gholami, Peyman, Khataee, Alireza, Ritala, Mikko
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 15.09.2022
• Subjects: Antibiotics degradation; Dodecylbenzenesulfonate; Hydrogen evolution; Photocatalysis; Trimetallic oxide; Dodecylbenzenesulfonate; Antibiotics degradation; Hydrogen evolution; Photocatalysis; Trimetallic oxide
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.132761

High-performance photocatalysts have considerable potential to address energy and environmental issues. In this study, dodecylbenzenesulfonate (DBS) modified ZnCuCo layered double hydroxide (DBS-ZnCuCo LDH) microspheres were synthesized through the facile template-free hydrothermal method. Subsequently, ZnCuCo mixed-metal oxides (MMOs) with morphological features of the DBS modified LDH, enhanced surface area, increased light absorption and effective charge separation were prepared by the calcination of the as-synthesized LDH at 650 °C. Structural, morphological, and photoelectrochemical properties of ZnCuCo and DBS-ZnCuCo LDHs and the corresponding MMOs (ZnCuCo MMO1 and ZnCuCo MMO2) were investigated. SEM and TEM images revealed that DBS-ZnCuCo LDH and ZnCuCo MMO2 possess 3D flower-like hierarchical morphologies with interlaced petal-like nanosheets. Although ZnCuCo LDH was inactive for photocatalytic H2 production under visible light irradiation, ZnCuCo MMO2 exhibited a high H2 production rate (3700 μmol g−1 h−1), benefiting from the synergy of the ZnO, CuO, and Co3O4. Furthermore, 95% sulfamethazine (SMZ) degradation was obtained after 60 min of photocatalysis, which is considerably higher than the degradation efficiency of ZnCuCo LDH (24%) and ZnCuCo MMO1 (58%). Based on the photoelectrochemical tests, Z-scheme and double charge transfer mechanisms were proposed to explain the enhanced photocatalytic H2 production and degradation of SMZ. Scavenging tests revealed that O2•− radicals were the main reactive species in the photodegradation of SMZ. A possible degradation pathway was proposed based on the detection of intermediate products. [Display omitted] •The interlayer distance of ZnCuCo layered double hydroxide (LDH) was expanded by incorporating dodecylbenzenesulfonate.•ZnCuCo mixed metal oxide (MMO) microspheres with increased surface area were synthesized via calcination of the modified LDH.•Proper positions of energy bands in MMO led to rapid transportation and effective separation of charge carriers.•MMO exhibited improved and durable visible-light photocatalytic activities in H2 evolution and sulfamethazine degradation.