Sustainable synthesize of a Mixed-metal MOF: A Visible light responsive photocatalyst for Selective oxidation of benzyl alcohols

Abstract

Developing photocatalysts has proved to be an overwhelming tool for using the infinite energy of sunlight. Mixed metal−organic frameworks (MOFs) evidenced to be an auspicious substitute material as Photocatalysts. Herein, a facile and convenient method for the fabrication of mixed-metal organic frameworks (MM-MOF) [Fe2CoO(TPBTM6)(H2O)3]n (Fe2CoMOF) [H6TPBTM: N,N’,N’’-Tris(isophthalyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide] was studied through a facile solvothermal method. The co-existence of Fe3+ and Co2+ lead to fantastic photocatalytic performance of the MOF. Fe2Co-MOF showed high ability in benzyl alcohol oxidation with exceptional benzaldehyde selectivity under visible light and room temperature, along with far improved yield in comparison with Fe-MOF as a single metal cluster MOF (93.5 % yield in 12 hours). For a better understanding of the benzyl alcohol oxidation process, systematic examinations were done to reveal the alcohol and MOF roles in the photocatalytic reaction. The structure also showed great stability and recyclability in the process.