Iron(III)-Based Metal–Organic Frameworks As\nVisible Light Photocatalysts

Abstract

Herein, a new group of visible light\nphotocatalysts is described.\nIron­(III) oxides could be promising visible light photocatalysts because\nof their small band gap enabling visible light excitation. However,\nthe high electron–hole recombination rate limits the yield\nof highly oxidizing species. This can be overcome by reducing the\nparticle dimensions. In this study, metal–organic frameworks\n(MOFs), containing Fe₃-μ₃-oxo clusters,\nare proposed as visible light photocatalysts. Their photocatalytic\nperformance is tested and proven via the degradation of Rhodamine\n6G in aqueous solution. For the first time, the remarkable photocatalytic\nefficiency of such Fe­(III)-based MOFs under visible light illumination\n(350 up to 850 nm) is shown.