A novel defect reassembly strategy for NH2-MIL-125(Ti) to enhance the photocatalytic NO removal activity

•D-NM-125/EY was prepared by a simple defect reassembly strategy for the first time.•The EY ligand promotes light utilization and photogenerated carriers transport.•D-NM-125/EY exhibits excellent photocatalytic activity and stability for NO removal.•Intermediates in the photocatalytic oxidation of NO removal process are monitored by in-situ DRIFTS.•In-depth insight into photocatalytic oxidation of NO reaction mechanism.