A stable and efficient La-doped MIL-53(Al)/ZnO photocatalyst for sulfamethazine degradation

Photocatalytic technology can solve various environmental pollution problems,especially antibiotic pollution.A novel La-doped MIL-53(Al)/ZnO composite material was successfully synthesized by a combination of hydrothermal method and calcination,showing high photocatalytic degradation percent of sulfamethazine(SMT).The 2 mol%La MIL-53(Al)/ZnO photocatalyst shows the highest degradation efficiency toward SMT(92%)within 120 min,which is 4.1 times higher than pure ZnO(increased from 18%to 92%).In addition,the degradation analysis of SMT by high performance liquid chromatography proves that the products are CO_(2) and H_(2)O.The improved photocatalytic activity is mostly caused by the following factors.(1)Doping La ions can decrease the band gap of ZnO,enhance light response,and effectively enhance the separation rate of photo-generated holes and electrons.(2)MIL-53(Al)can adsorb SMT and promote the separation of electron.This work shows that the synthesized La-doped MIL-53(Al)/ZnO photocatalyst is expected to be used as a green and effective method for treatment of environment water pollution.