Synthesis, characterization and photocatalytic properties of two Zn(II)-based coordination polymers with 3,5-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy) benzoic acid

Two new Zn(II) coordination polymers (CPs) with formula [Zn2(HL)·2H2O]n (1), [Zn2(H3L)4(phen)2(H2O)2]n (2) (H5L= 3,5-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy) benzoic acid and phen = 1,10-Phenanthroline) have been prepared hydrothermally by modulating the nature of chelating N-donor. The assistant ligand effects on the coordination degree of penta-carboxylate and resulted in the formation of the two different 2D 4-connected (43.63) topology and 2D supramolecular layer in 1 and 2, respectively. The two CPs have been used as photocatalysts for photodegradation of dyes exhibit potential photocatalytic properties against pollutants dyes like methyl orange (MO), Rhodamine (Rh B), methyl blue (MB), acid orange (AO) and acid chrome blue (ACB). The potential photocatalytic activity of CP 2 is higher than that of 1. The possible photocatalytic mechanism and variations in the photocatalytic abilities of 2 have also been carried out.