Two novel Zn(II) coordination polymers constructed by the same dicarboxylate and different bis-imidazole as co-ligand: Syntheses, crystal structures and properties

Two novel Zn(II) coordination polymers, { [Zn(µ-HBCPT)(µ-1,3-BIP)]·2H2O·DMF}n (SNUT-7) and { [Zn2(µ3-BCPT)(HCOO)(µ-1,3-BMIP)2]n (SNUT-8), where 1,3-BIP is a 1,3-bis(1H-imidazol-1-yl)propane, 1,3-BMIP is 1,3-bis(2-methyl-1H-imidazol-1-yl)propane, H3BCPT is 3,5-bis(4′-carboxy-phenyl)-1,2,4-triazole and formate (HCOO−) ligands, were prepared under solvothermal conditions and characterized by single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, IR spectra, thermogravimetric analysis and elemental analysis. SNUT-7 exhibits a 2D → 2D interspersed with each other, which can be further expanded into 3D supramolecule through hydrogen bonds. SNUT-8 exhibits a rare 2D + 2D → 3D framework structure. SNUT-7 and SNUT-8 are efficient and universal photocatalysts for the degradation of organic dye rhodamine B (Rh B) under visible light irradiation. The degradation of SNUT-7 and SNUT-8 are near ∼82.79% and ∼68%. SNUT-7 and SNUT-8 also show stronger blue light emission than the H3BCPT ligand. At room temperature, SNUT-7 and SNUT-8 have the highest emission peaks at 371 and 363 nm upon excitation at 360 and 290 nm.