Utilizing mixed-linker zirconium based metal-organic frameworks to enhance the visible light photocatalytic oxidation of alcohol

A series of mixed-linker zirconium-based metal-organic frameworks (Zr-MOFs) have been synthesized in one-pot reactions. The Zr-MOFs, containing 2-amino-1,4-benzeneclicarboxylate (NH2-BDC) as the primary linker and 2-X-1,4-bezenedicarboxylate (X-BDC, X=H, F, Cl, Br) as a secondary linker, have been used as visible light photocatalysts. The incorporation of multi-functional groups into the catalysts was characterized by PXRD, STEM, NMR, N-2 physisorption, diffuse reflectance FT1R, and diffuse reflectance UV-vis. The effects of different linkers on the photocatalytic property of the Zr-MOFs were evaluated in the oxidation of benzyl alcohol. The photocatalytic oxidation reaction was performed using a 26 W helical bulb as the visible light source, and the temperature of the reaction was kept at 80 degrees C. The Zr-MOF containing mixed NH2-BDC and F-BDC linkers gives five times more conversion in the oxidation of benzyl alcohol compared to the Zr-MOF made of mixed NH2-BDC and H-BDC linkers. We only observed partial oxidation product, benzaldehyde, from the photocatalytic oxidation reaction. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved,