Synthesis and structure of a 3D supramolecular layered Bi-MOF and its application in photocatalytic degradation of dyes

A self-assembled Bi-MOF {[Bi(BDC)1.5(DMF)(H2O)]·DMF}n (Bi-BDC) (H2BDC = terephthalic acid, DMF = N, N-dimethylformamide) was designed and synthesized by the reaction of bismuth nitrate and H2BDC under solvothermal conditions. The basic structure of the complex was characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, UV–vis spectroscopy, PXRD, single crystal X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. The structure analysis shows that the Bi-BDC has a three-dimensional supramolecular layered network structure by p - π interaction. In addition, the properties of the Bi-BDC on photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes were investigated. Surprisingly, it has superior degradation rate for both anionic and cationic dyes with a very short time by adding hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, the kinetic analysis, degradation of mixed dyes, recycle experiments and catalytic mechanism were investigated. The results show that Bi-BDC has potential application value in photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes in future.