Structure and photocatalytic performance of a new metal-organic framework based on [Zn(TBTC)(2,6-pydc)]n

•A novel zinc(II) complex has been hydrothermally synthesized.•HTBTC and pyridine-2,6 -dicarboxylic acid were used as organic ligands.•Zinc(II) complex is an active photocatalyst for the degradation of organic dyes.•Catalytic mechanism was also discussed.

One transition metal–organic framework [Zn(TBTC)(2,6-pydc)]n (1), has been assembled from a mixed ligand 4,5,9,14-tetraaza-benzo[b]triphenylene-11-carboxylic acid (HTBTC) with the help of pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid (2,6-pydc)ligand. X-ray single crystal diffraction analysis reveals that compound 1 crystallizes in the space group of P21/c and displays a one-dimensional (1D) zigzag infinite chain, which is extended via the π–π stacking interactions between pyrazine rings and benzene rings to form 2D supramolecular layers. Compound 1 shows an excellent photocatalytic activity through degradation of methyl blue (MB), methyl violet (MV), rhodamine B (RhB) and orange G (OG). The rate of photodegradation for MV can reach 90% under Xe lamp irradiation after 4.5 h. In addition, catalytic mechanism was also discussed.

Graphical abstractOne ZnII metal–organic framework with distinct structures based on a HTBTC and 2,6-pydc ligands has been hydrothermally synthesized. The behaviors of title compound as the catalyst in photodegradation of organic dyes were also investigated.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide