A novel cobalt-based coordination polymer for rapid degradation of organic dyes in water by visible light assistance

Abstract

It is crucial to construct an effective photocatalyst for the removal of dyes from aqueous environments. In the present work, a novel cobalt-based coordination polymer was synthesized and characterized with the molecular formula [Co(ipa)(ptt)]n (Co-CP), (ipa = isophthalic acid, ptt = 5-(4-Pyridyl)-1H-tetrazole). In Co-CP, each cobalt ion is in a six-coordination mode and is connected to two adjacent ligands to form a three-dimensional network structure. Furthermore, Co-CP excellent degradation properties and can effectively degrade methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (Rh B) under visible light with degradation efficiencies of 84.3 % and 94.6 %, respectively. Additionally, its PXRD patterns and FTIR spectra remained consistent with the original complex after three cycles, which proved that it was very stable, and there was no significant decrease in degradation ability after three cycling cycles, indicating its excellent reusability. The photocatalytic degradation mechanism was subsequently rationalized through free radical trapping experiments and analysis the energy band structure of Co-CP.