Constructing light-insensitive Ag(I) sites by in situ integration of nanoheaters for efficient adsorptive desulfurization

The π-complexation between Ag(I) and thiophene sulfides is considered as one of the key factors to selectively remove thiophenic compounds, but its application is very limited due to the instability of Ag(I) under light as well as the energy-intensive regeneration. In this study, stable and photothermal Ag(I)/Ag(0) composite sites are constructed in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and act as target-specific adsorption sites for the uptake of thiophenic compounds. Partial Ag(0) nanoparticles that were in situ introduced in MOF pores are oxidized to Ag(I). As a result, Ag(I) becomes light-insensitive because the light-induced electron of Ag(I) can be transferred to the integrated Ag(0) nanoparticles, protecting Ag(I) from reduction. Furthermore, Ag(0) nanoparticles are photothermal due to the localized surface plasmon resonance, thus can precisely heat Ag(I) for desorption by converting visible light to energy. This work provides a new avenue to stabilize Ag(I) and efficiently regenerate adsorbents.