Bimetallic-atom-hybridization-driven catalytic reaction kinetics and solar utilization to accelerate norfloxacin degradation

The high level of norfloxacin (NOR) in aquatic environment causes bacterial drug resistance and perilous effects on human and aquatic life because of the greater toxicity and the oxidation-refractory property. Herein, we propose a series of porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) via a developed solvothermal process to accelerate NOR degradation, in which the solar response and catalytic activity is sharply enhanced through an electronic hybridization between Fe3+ and Co2+ metal center. The time-resolved photoluminescence spectra disclose that electrostatic potential induced by electronegativity difference in bimetallic sites leads to an efficient separation of electron-hole pairs. As a result, the optimized bimetallic MOF sample makes the NOR concentration go down to similar to 20 % within 30 min under sunlight radiation, keeping an unchanged activity after 9 cycles. Our findings provide new inspirations for regulating the photogenic carrier dynamics via bimetallic hybridization strategy in accelerating NOR degradation.

Automated summary

In this study, a series of porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) were successfully prepared via a developed solvothermal process, and the optimized bimetallic MOF sample was shown to significantly accelerate the degradation of norfloxacin under sunlight radiation. Electronic hybridization between Fe3+ and Co2+ metal centers in bimetallic sites enhanced solar response and catalytic activity, leading to efficient degradation of norfloxacin.