α-Ferrous oxalate dihydrate: an Fe-based one-dimensional metal organic framework with extraordinary photocatalytic and Fenton activities

Abstract

An Fe(II)-based metal organic framework, α-ferrous oxalate dihydrate (α-FOD), with remarkable n-type semiconductor characteristics has been successfully prepared for use as a bifunctional catalyst in both photocatalysis and Fenton oxidation. The photoreduction of Cr(VI) into Cr(III) under visible light irradiation (5 W LED lamp) revealed the superior photocatalytic activity of α-FOD, where 50 mL of 100 mg·L⁻¹ Cr(VI) was reduced within 6 minutes. Moreover, α-FOD exhibited significant Fenton oxidation activity in degrading organic compounds in presence of H₂O₂ in the dark.