Structures, photoluminescence and photocatalytic properties of two novel metal–organic frameworks based on tetrazole derivatives

Abstract

Two novel metal–organic frameworks, [Ag(ATZ)]_n (1) (ATZ = 5-amino-tetrazole) and [Ag₂(en)₂(AT)]_n (2) (en = ethylenediamine, AT = 5,5′-azotetrazolate), were prepared from corresponding Ag(I) salts and have been structurally characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction. The structures of both compounds consist of 2-D three-connected layers that are linked by π–π overlap interactions between the tetrazolate fragments in neighbouring layers to form a 3-D supramolecular structure. The photoluminescence properties of solid samples of 1 and 2 at room temperature and their photocatalytic performance have also been reported and discussed. The results indicate that 1 seems to be a good candidate for a novel inorganic–organic photoactive material with high quantum yield. Moreover, compounds 1 and 2 represent the first examples of coordination polymers with a Ag ion that exhibit high, efficient photocatalytic abilities for dye degradation under UV light and show good stability toward photocatalysis.