MIL-53(Fe)-derived α-Fe2O3 coupled with CuO hybrid nanoarchitecture: A dual-functional photocatalyst for ibuprofen removal and hydrogen production

The design of stable and efficient bifunctional photocatalysts is crucial for addressing the issues of water contamination and renewable energy generation. In this work, we report the fabrication of MIL-53(Fe)-derived α-Fe 2 O 3 , subsequently coupled with CuO to form an α-Fe 2 O 3 /CuO nano-heterostructure via a simple thermal strategy. The prepared heterostructure serves as a dual-functional photocatalyst for both ibuprofen degradation and hydrogen evolution under visible light illumination. The composite incorporates an n-p heterojunction between α-Fe 2 O 3 and CuO, which allows the visible light to be absorbed for a longer period of time and charge separation to take place at the interface. Comprehensive optical, structural and electrochemical analysis techniques, such as TRPL, EIS, Mott-Schottky plots and valence band XPS analysis, reveal that the heterojunction allows efficient charge migration in the S-scheme. Enhanced carrier lifetimes and negative recombination are further supported by the PL quenching results, the high concentration of oxygen vacancies, and an increase in EPR signal intensity. These features enable the catalyst to have ~99% mineralisation of ibuprofen and a hydrogen evolution rate of 133 μmolg −1 h −1 under simulated visible light, with no noble metal cocatalysts. This work presents a rational design approach of MOF-derived oxide heterostructures that integrate both the environmental remediation and green hydrogen generation processes separately through powerful charge management and defect engineering.