Synthesis, structure, thermal stability and surface photo-electric property of a novel three-dimensional Co(II) complex

•The novel 3D framework with the trinuclear building unit•The complex was stable before the temperature reached 400 °C.•Surface photovoltage spectra (SPS) technology was used.•The SPS results indicated that it possessed clear photoelectricity conversion.

A novel cobalt(II) complex [Co3(oba)3(phen)2]n(H2oba = 4,4′-oxybis benzoic acid, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) has been synthesized by hydrothermal method and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, IR, UV–vis, thermal stability and Surface Photovoltage Spectroscopy (SPS). Structural analysis indicated that the complex is a 3D structure with the trinuclear building unit of [Co3(oba)3(phen)2] bridged by the oba ligands. The SPS of complex indicates that there are positive response bands in the range of 300–600 nm showing photo-electric conversion properties. There are good relationships between SPS and UV–vis spectra.

Graphical abstractThe SPS results of the complex indicated that it possessed clear photovoltaic response bands in UV–vis area (300–600 nm). This means that the complex has certain photo-electric conversion properties. And there are good corresponding relationships between SPS and UV–vis absorption spectra.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide