Abstract
Functional metal organic framework (MOF) derivatives have attracted tremendous attention as promising catalysts for various reactions. The thermal decomposition strategies have a vital effect on the structures and physicochemical properties of functional MOF derivatives. Nevertheless, what effect does the pyrolysis strategy have on MOF derivatives need further study. In this work, one-step (under dry air) and two-step (first under N(2) and then dry air) pyrolysis are chosen to prepare the functional ceria-based MOF derivatives with novel hierarchical pore structure. In comparison with the derivatives prepared by one-step pyrolysis, the two-step pyrolysis composites exhibit better catalytic activity for toluene oxidation due to the higher contents of surface absorbed oxygen species and surface oxygen vacancies. The reusability and durability test demonstrates perfect stability of such functional MOF derivatives. The in-situ UV Raman reveals that two-step strategy is favorable for enhancing the gaseous oxygen activation ability of the functional MOF derivatives. Those findings may instruct the synthesis of functional MOF derivatives via different pyrolysis strategies as well as afford a further understanding of the crucial role of oxygen vacancies.