Enhanced performance of dual-functional ZIF-8/red phosphorus photocatalysts for concurrent degradation of organic dyes and hydrogen generation under natural solar light irradiation

Abstract

Herein, zeolitic imidazole framework (ZIF)-8/red phosphorus photocatalysts were prepared via a solvothermal method for simultaneous organic dye degradation and hydrogen (H₂) generation. The 5 wt% ZIF-8/RP photocatalyst achieved the highest H₂ generation rate of 822.5 μmol h⁻¹ g⁻¹ and 92% rhodamine dye degradation under natural sunlight irradiation. This approach offers an effective strategy to replace costly and toxic traditional electron donors with organic dye pollutants for H₂ generation.