We have demonstrated a new methodology of immobilization for the hybridization of 0D CdS nanoparticles with metal-organic frameworks. To begin, we have synthesized the positively surface-charged CdS with narrow size distribution in 2-4 nm. For hybrid composites, crystal growth of Ti-based MOF (NH<sub>2</sub>-MIL-125) was solvothermally induced in the mixed solution (MeOH:DMF) containing the synthesized CdS nanoparticles. In particular, the ratio of CdS/MOF was adjusted to find optimal photocatalytic properties. A combinatorial analysis of powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and selected area electron diffraction clearly demonstrates the formation of CdS/Ti-MOF hybrid composites; the typical XRD patterns indicating the existance of CdSs and Ti-MOFs in the composites, and TEM images showing CdS nanoparticles immobilized by Ti-MOFs. According to the UV-vis spectroscopy, the hybridization between two materials causes a change of bandgap energy in comparison to unhybridized materials. Also, photoluminescence spectroscopy shows an efficient electron transfer from CdSs to Ti-MOFs. On the basis of the obtained results, the photocatalystic test of the hybrid composites was carried out for photocatalytic H<sub>2</sub> production under visible light irradiation (λ≥420 nm). We found that the hybrid composites have better photocatalytic performance than individuals. Particularly, the photostability of CdS nanoparticles significantly improved in comparison to not only bare CdS but also CdS-attached Ti-MOFs (synthesized Ti-MOFs first and then attached CdSs). This suggests that CdS nanoparticles are strongly coupled to MOFs. From the obtained results, the present synthetic process guarantees the stability of CdS nanoparticles against photo-dissociation. In this work, we will discuss in detail about synthesis procedure, photocatalytic ability, photostability, and photocatalytic mechanism for the present hybrid composites.

Improving the photocatalytic functionality and the stability of CdS/MOF hybrid composites: Immobilization of CdS nanoparticles by MOF structures

256th National Meeting (2018)

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