Carbonized metal–organic frameworks nanorods as recyclable photocatalyst for visible light-induced water oxidation

Abstract Magnetic Fe 2 C nanorods were successfully synthesized by the carbonization of iron-based metal–organic framework (MOF) template and examined as photocatalyst for water oxidation reaction. An apparent turnover frequency (TOF) of 2.73 × 10 3  s −1 and oxygen yield of 20.64% were obtained with Fe 2 C in an alkalescent aqueous solution. The rod-like Fe 2 C materials is convenient to recovery and recycling of the catalyst for water oxidation. The surface conditions of the Fe 2 C also remain unchanged after the photocatalytic reaction, as confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Our work demonstrates that Fe 2 C as efficient WOCs is a promising candidate for water oxidation.