Dual S-scheme heterojunction via MOF-on-MOF strategy for efficient photoelectrocatalytic removal of organic contaminants: Detoxification and mechanism

Abstract

Accelerating the separation of carriers in the heterojunction plays vital role in the photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) process, yet it remains a challenging undertaking. Herein, a MOF-on-MOF based dual S-scheme heterojunction (BiVO₄/NH₂-MIL-125(Ti)/NH₂-MIL-53(Fe), denoted as BVO/NM125/NM53) was rationally designed and prepared for PEC removing and detoxification of organic contaminants (phenol, tetracycline hydrochloride, ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin). The S-scheme heterojunction was double confirmed by DFT calculation and XPS analysis. The charge transfer resistance of BVO/NM125/NM53 photoanode decreases to 1/11 of bare BiVO₄ photoanode. Meanwhile, the photocurrent density was 3 times higher, demonstrating a marked improvement in carrier separation efficiency due to dual S-scheme heterojunction. The photoanode achieved 94.3 % removal of phenol within 60 min and maintained stable performance over 10 consecutive cycles, demonstrating good PEC efficiency and structural stability. The BVO/NM125/NM53 photoanode also showed effectiveness in removing antibiotics, with chlorophyll fluorescence imaging confirming a significant reduction in the ecotoxicity of intermediates. For example, wheat seed germination, growth, chlorophyll and Carotenoid production were not affected, which was similar to that of deionized water. Radical trapping experiments and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analysis identified •O₂^- and •OH as the primary active species. This work demonstrates the effectiveness of developing MOF-on-MOF heterojunctions for visible-light response and enhancing charge separation in PEC.