Novel Pyrene-Based Anionic Metal–Organic Framework for Efficient Organic Dye Elimination

Abstract

A novel anionic metal–organic framework, JUC-138, constructed by In(III) and a pyrene-based linker, H8TIAPy (H8TIAPy = 1,3,6,8-tetrakis(3,5-isophthalic acid)pyrene), has been synthesized by solvothermal reaction successfully. In JUC-138, only four carbonyl groups in each ligand connect to In3+ ions, while the others remain uncoordinated. However, each In3+ connects to four carbonyl groups in a bidentate chelate style, resulting in the formation of 2D square sheets in JUC-138. The 2D sheets interact with adjacent layers through the O–H···O hydrogen bonds between the uncoordinated carboxyl groups, thus generating the whole 3D supramolecular structure of JUC-138. UV–vis tests show the energy gap Eg of JUC-138 is 3.34 eV, indicating the semiconductor nature of JUC-138. In addition, JUC-138 shows good photocatalytic activity in Azure B (AB) decolorization and could decompose 90% AB within 4 h. This photocatalytic property makes JUC-138 promising in environment governance.