In situ ligand synthesis affording a new Co(ii) MOF for photocatalytic application

Abstract In situ disulfide bond formation affords a new flexible dicarboxylic acid ligand of 3,3′-dithiobisbenzoic acid (3,3′-H 2 DTBA), which assembled with Co( ii ) ions under hydrothermal conditions, generating a novel metal–organic framework (MOF), namely, [Co(3,3′-DTBA) 2 (H 2 O) 2 ] n ( 1 ). This compound is assembled from layered structures, featuring weak interlayer interactions that can reduce pore blockage through relative sliding. The results of photocatalytic experiment indicate that MOF 1 is a good semiconducting material and it can function as photocatalyst for degrading methylene blue under the ultraviolet light irradiation. Cyclic experiments demonstrated its good stability and long-lasting photocatalytic performance, indicating its potential application value.