Synthesis of a poly-pendant 1-D chain based on 'trans-vanadium' bicapped, Keggin-type vanadtungstate and its photocatalytic properties

A vanadtungstate cluster-based organic inorganic hybrid material [(NiL4VW10W2O40)-W-IV-W-VI-O-V((VO)-O-IV)(2)] (1, L = 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene) was synthesized and characterized, by elemental analysis, IR spectra, thermal gravimetric analysis, and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Structural analysis reveals that compound 1 contains a transition metal-centered, bicapped Keggin-type {VW12O40(VO)(2)} core, connected by nickel linkers into a 1-D chain. These 1D chains interdigitated-with each other, achieving an interdigitated 3D supermolecular architecture. Photocatalytic studies indicate that compound 1 exhibits not only active photocatalytic degradation of dye molecules, but also selective photocatalytic activity for degradation of cationic dyes in aqueous solution. Further, this photocatalyst is stable and easily separated from the photocatalytic system for reuse as well.