Phenazine-functionalized Zn-based metal organic framework for efficient visible light photocatalytic sulfides

Herein, we successfully obtained a three-dimensional (3D) metal-organic framework (MOF) with [Zn₂(PDPA) (DMF)₃]_n (Zn-MOF) by using 5,5'-(phenazine-5,10-diyl)diisophthalic acid (H₄PDPA) and Zn(NO₃)₂·6H₂O. Zn-MOF has ZnO₆ and ZnO₅ units that are bridged by PDPA⁴⁻ ligands. ZnO₅ core was connected by the COO⁻ groups of the PDPA⁴⁻ ligands, which unsaturated coordination site provided an available coordination point for the activation and oxidation of substrate molecules. And ZnO₆ core was connected by the COO⁻ groups of the PDPA⁴⁻ ligands and oxygen atoms from coordinated N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) molecules. Zn-MOF possessed a broad light absorption range and showed significant photoelectric conversion properties under visible light irradiation. Therefore, when Zn-MOF are employed for photocatalytic oxidation of sulfides, they can oxidize anisole sulfide to sulfoxide products within a short period of time under visible light, demonstrating high photocatalytic oxidation efficiency. The unique structural features and photoelectric properties of Zn-MOF make it a promising candidate for efficient photocatalytic applications, particularly in the oxidation of sulfides under visible light.