Highly efficient visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation of gaseous toluene by rutile-anatase TiO2@MIL-101 composite with two heterojunctions

The construction of heterophase junctions by rutile-anatase TiO2 is considered an effective strategy for toluene degradation, but the photogenerated electron utilization is still insufficient. In this study, the formation of type-II heterojunction by the encapsulation of Materials of Institut Lavoisier (MIL-101) by anatase is performed, and then the heterophase junction is further constructed to improve the catalytic performance of the photocatalyst. The enhancement of photocatalytic performance depends on the encapsulation of MIL-101 by anatase, the light absorption capacity of anatase, and the contact area of two heterojunctions. Photogenerated electrons are transferred to oxygen vacancies of anatase and promoting the generation of oxygen-containing radicals. The material certifies the synergistic effect of the heterophase junction and heterojunction design and provides a theoretical basis for application in the degradation of volatile organic compounds.