Layer by layer self-assembly MoS2/ZIF-8 composites on carboxyl cotton fabric for enhanced visible light photocatalysis and recyclability

A novel strategy for preparing Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks-8 (ZIF-8) based photocatalytic material with high efficiency, durability and recyclability is proposed. ZIF-8 is prepared by self-assembly layer-by-layer on carboxyl cotton fabric. The coordination bond formed by metal ions and carboxyl groups of carboxyl cotton fabric greatly enhances the interaction between particles and fabric. Semiconductor MoS2 is grown in situ on the surface of ZIF-8 to improve photocatalytic activity of ZIF-8. The morphology and structure of prepared MoS2/ZIF-8/Carboxyl cotton are characterized. The influence of layer-by-layer self-assembled ZIF-8 on the charge separation efficiency and optical properties of functional materials are investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and photocurrent. Under visible light irradiation, this functionalized fabric has good degradability to methylene blue. About 99.8% of methylene blue aqueous solution is degraded after exposure to visible-light for 21 min. Furthermore, about 94.8% photocatalytic activity is still maintained even after six times of recycling. Possible mechanisms accounting for the enhanced photocatalytic properties are proposed. This fabrication method used in this study shows great potential in the development of textile-based multifunctional photocatalytic materials with high degradation efficiency and high recovery rate.