Cu9S5 and Cu9S5@UiO-66-NH2 composites exhibit excellent Fenton-like photocatalytic activities for the degradation of organic contaminants

The development of advanced catalysts is essential for efficient elimination of the emerging organic pollutants in water. Herein, Cu9S5 and Cu9S5@UiO-66-NH2 were prepared and both exhibited high Fenton-like photocatalytic activities for the degradation of organic contaminants. Removal efficiencies of 85% and 92% were achieved for Congo red (CR) and Rhodamine B (Rh B), respectively. It is found from active species trapping experiments and electron spin resonance (ESR) analysis that ˙O2−/h+ and ˙O2−/˙OH played key roles in the oxidation reaction of these two pollutants, respectively. The mechanisms were discussed on the basis of the cycles of Cu+/Cu2+.