Synthesis of zinc-based metal–organic framework as highly efficient photocatalyst for decomposition of organic dyes in aqueous solution

In the present work, a zinc-based metal–organic framework {[Zn(ddpd) 0.5 (bipy) 0.5 ]·H 2 O]} n (1-Zn) (where ddpd = 2,5-di(2′,4′-dicarboxylphenyl)-1,4-difluorobenzene, bipy = 4,4-bipyridine) was synthesized by a solvothermal method. Complex 1-Zn features a three-dimensional (2,4,6)-connected network with {4 2 .6 2 .8 2 } 2 {4 4 .6 6 .8 5 }{6} topology. Meanwhile, without the assistance of other reagents, complex 1-Zn not only exhibited an exceeded 95% photodegradation efficiency for rhodamine B (Rh B), methyl blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) within 40 min, but also showed high stability and recyclability. In addition, free radical quenching experiments and electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy verified that the main active species in the photodegradation process were ·O 2 − and ·OH, and a more in-depth degradation mechanism was further elucidated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Graphical abstract