Photocatalytic systems: reactions, mechanism, and applications

The photocatalytic field revolves around the utilization of photon energy to initiate various chemical reactions using non-adsorbing substrates, through processes such as single electron transfer, energy transfer, or atom transfer. The efficiency of this field depends on the capacity of a light-absorbing metal complex, organic molecule, or substance (commonly referred to as photocatalysts or PCs) to execute these processes. Photoredox techniques utilize photocatalysts, which possess the essential characteristic of functioning as both an oxidizing and a reducing agent upon activation. In addition, it is commonly observed that photocatalysts exhibit optimal performance when irradiated with low-energy light sources, while still retaining their catalytic activity under ambient temperatures. The implementation of photoredox catalysis has resuscitated an array of synthesis realms, including but not limited to radical chemistry and photochemistry, ultimately affording prospects for the development of the reactions. Also, photoredox catalysis is utilized to resolve numerous challenges encountered in medicinal chemistry, as well as natural product synthesis. Moreover, its applications extend across diverse domains encompassing organic chemistry and catalysis. The significance of photoredox catalysts is rooted in their utilization across various fields, including biomedicine, environmental pollution management, and water purification. Of course, recently, research has evaluated photocatalysts in terms of cost, recyclability, and pollution of some photocatalysts and dyes from an environmental point of view. According to these new studies, there is a need for critical studies and reviews on photocatalysts and photocatalytic processes to provide a solution to reduce these limitations. As a future perspective for research on photocatalysts, it is necessary to put the goals of researchers on studies to overcome the limitations of the application and efficiency of photocatalysts to promote their use on a large scale for the development of industrial activities. Given the significant implications of the subject matter, this review seeks to delve into the fundamental tenets of the photocatalyst domain and its associated practical use cases. This review endeavors to demonstrate the prospective of a powerful tool known as photochemical catalysis and elucidate its underlying tenets. Additionally, another goal of this review is to expound upon the various applications of photocatalysts.

Recent advances in metal-organic frameworks for pesticide detection and adsorption

The large-scale use of pesticides such as organophosphate pesticides (OPPs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) has led to serious environmental problems worldwide, and their high toxicity could cause serious damage to human health. It is crucial to remove and track them precisely in the environment and food resources. As novel nanomaterials, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted significant attention in the fields of adsorption and luminescence sensing due to their rich topology, tunable pore size and shape, high surface area, and abundant active sites. Luminescent metal-organic frameworks (LMOFs) have sprung up as great potential chemical sensors to detect pesticides with fast response, high sensitivity, high selectivity and easy operation. Therefore, in this highlight, we focus on recent progress of MOFs in sensing and adsorbing pesticides, as well as in the possible mechanism of sensing, so as to attract more attention to pesticide detection and adsorption.

Effects of two different solvents on the syntheses, structural diversity, and magnetic properties of six Mn(ii) complexes derived from 3,3′-((5-carboxy-1,3-phenylene)bis(oxy))dibenzoate and variable N-donor ligands

Six Mn(ii) complexes of the 3,3′-((5-carboxy-1,3-phenylene)bis(oxy))dibenzoate ligand in two different solvent systems with variable N-donor ligands were obtained and showed different structures and magnetic properties.

A water-stable zinc(ii)-organic framework as a multiresponsive luminescent sensor for toxic heavy metal cations, oxyanions and organochlorine pesticides in aqueous solution

A novel metal-organic framework with the formula [Zn3(DDB)(DPE)]·H2O (1) (H5DDB = 3,5-di(2',4'-dicarboxylphenyl)benzoic acid and DPE = 1,2-di(4-pyridyl)ethylene) has been solvothermally synthesized by employing a rigid carboxylate ligand H5DDB to assemble with Zn(ii) ions in the presence of a flexible bis(pyridyl) linker DPE. The Zn-MOF is a 3D framework with six-nuclear clusters and possesses remarkable water stability and pH stability. Interestingly, complex 1 can sensitively and selectively sense Fe(iii), Cr(iii), Cr(vi), Mn(vii) and the pesticide 2,6-Dich-4-NA with low detection limits in aqueous solution. Moreover, complex 1 also exhibits selectivity for 2,6-Dich-4-NA detection in real samples including carrot, grape and nectarine extracts, and its detection ability is almost unchanged in the presence of the surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The possible mechanisms of luminescence quenching have been explained by the weak affinity of nitrogen atoms, resonance energy transfer, and photoinduced electron transfer. To our knowledge, this is the first example of a MOF-based multiresponsive fluorescent probe for the simultaneous detection of Fe(iii), Cr(iii/vi), Mn(vii) and the pesticide 2,6-Dich-4-NA in aqueous solution.

Colored Ionic Liquid Based on Stable Polycyclic Anion Salt Showing Halochromism with HCl Vapor

A sodium salt of a polycyclic trioxotriangulene (TOT) anion with six triethylene glycol chains exhibiting the formation of a colored ionic liquid at room temperature was synthesized. The ionic liquid is air- and water-stable, reflecting thermodynamic stabilization of a charge-delocalized TOT anion. Upon protonation of the TOT anion, the salt shows halochromic behaviors in solution and even in the neat liquid state with HCl vapor. The ionic liquid shows no morphological change with the chromism, presumably as a result of poor intermolecular interactions between π skeletons.

Luminescent metal–organic frameworks with a 2-(4-pyridyl)-terephthalic acid ligand for detection of acetone

Employing an unsymmetrical pyridyl-dicarboxylate ligand, three MOFs with diverse structures were obtained. The Cd-MOF shows excellent selective sensing towards acetone molecules.

Organometallic-Organic Hybrid Polymers Assembled from Pentaphosphaferrocene, Bipyridyl Linkers, and CuI Ions

A multicomponent approach of the P n ligand complex [Cp*Fe(η5-P5)] (1: Cp* = η5-C5Me5) with the ditopic organic linkers 4,4'-bipyridine (2) or trans-1,2-di(pyridine-4-yl)ethene (3) in the presence of CuI salts of the anions [BF4]- and [PF6]- or the coordinating anion Br-, leads to the formation of four novel organometallic-organic hybrid polymers: the cationic 1D polymeric compounds [Cu4{Cp*Fe(µ3,η5:1:1-P5)}2(µ,η1:1-C10H8N2)4(CH3CN)4] n [BF4]4n (4) and [Cu4{Cp*Fe(µ3,η5:1:1-P5)}2(µ,η1:1-C10H8N2)4(CH3CN)4] n [PF6]4n (5) as well as the unique neutral threefold 2D → 2D interpenetrated networks [Cu2Cl2{Cp*Fe(µ3,η5:1:1-P5)}(µ,η1:1-C12H10N2)] n (6) and [Cu2Br2{Cp*Fe(µ3,η5:1:1-P5)}(µ,η1:1-C10H8N2)] n (7).

Assembly of a series of coordination polymers built from rigid a tetracarboxylate ligand and flexible bis(imidazole) linker: syntheses, structural diversities, luminescence sensing, and photocatalytic properties

Hydrothermal reactions of aromatic terphenyl-4,2'',5'',4'-tetracarboxylic acid (H₄tta) and transitional metal cations in the presence of two flexible N-donor ancillary ligands afforded four novel coordination polymers, namely, {[Zn(tta)_0.5(m-bimb)]·H₂O}_n (1), [Ni₂(tta)(m-bimb)₂(H₂O)]_n (2), [Ni(H₂tta)(o-bimb)·H₂O]_n (3), and [Cd(tta)_0.5(o-bimb)]_n (4), from solvothermal reactions in the presence of bis(imidazole) bridging linkers (m-bimb = 1,3-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene, and o-bimb = 1,2-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene). Their structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and further characterized by elemental analyses (EA), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and thermogravimetric (TG) analyses. Compound 1 displayed a 2-fold 3D → 3D parallel entangled (4,4)-connected bbf net with the point symbol of (6⁴·8²)(6⁶)₂. Compound 2 featured a predocumented 3D (4,8)-connected (3²·5³·6)(3⁴·4⁴·5⁹·6¹¹) net. Compound 3 exhibited a 2D 4-connected sql sheet with the point symbol of (4⁴·6²), and compound 4 showed a 2D 4-connected (3²·6²·7²) kgm sheet. To our delight, fluorescence measurements showed that compound 1 could selectively and sensitively detect Cr³⁺ cations and nitrobenzene derivatives (nitrobenzene (NB), p-nitrotoluene (PNT), and p-nitroaniline (PNA)), which suggested that CPs of 1 was a promising bifunctional luminescence sensor material that could sense metal ions and small organic molecules. Moreover, 1 showed excellent photocatalytic activity.

A series of coordination polymers based on terphenyl tetracarboxylates and bis-pyridyl ligands with water vapor sorption properties

Six new coordination polymers have been synthesized based on terphenyl tetracarboxylates (H₄L1, H₄L2) and bis-pyridyl ligands (bpfp, bpe and bpmp).

Structural diversity, luminescence and photocatalytic properties of six coordination polymers based on designed bifunctional 2-(imidazol-1-yl)terephthalic acid

Six CPs, based on 2-(imidazol-1-yl)terephthalic acid, have been prepared and characterized.

A series of coordination polymers with tuned terphenyl tetracarboxylates and bis-pyridyl ligands with different flexibilities manifesting fluorescence properties and photocatalytic activities

Seven new coordination polymers derived from terphenyl tetracarboxylates and bipyridyl ligands with different flexibilities have been prepared. The electrochemical behaviors, fluorescence and photocatalytic properties have also been studied.

Hydrothermal syntheses, structural characterizations, and magnetic properties of five MOFs assembled from C2-symmetric ligand of 1,3-di(2′,4′-dicarboxylphenyl)benzene with various coordination modes

Five new complexes with appealing structural features from 0D paddle wheel {Cu₂(COO)₄} SBUs to 3D frameworks were reported to better understand the synthon selectivity in multifunctional crystal structures.

Assembly of a series of d10 coordination polymers based on W-shaped 1,3-di(2′,4′-dicarboxyphenyl)benzene: from syntheses, structural diversity, luminescence, to photocatalytic properties

Six d¹⁰ coordination polymers with different architectures based on W-shaped 1,3-di(2′,4′-dicarboxyphenyl)benzene (H₄DDB) have been prepared. Their photoluminescence and photocatalytic properties were also investigated.

Structural diversities and related properties of four coordination polymers synthesized from original ligand of 3,3′,5,5′-azobenzenetetracarboxylic acid

Four CPs, derived from the original 3,3′,5,5′-azobenzenetetracarboxylic acid ligand were obtained under solvothermal conditions.

Coligand syntheses, crystal structures, luminescence and photocatalytic properties of five coordination polymers based on rigid tetracarboxylic acids and imidazole linkers

Coligand syntheses, crystal structures, luminescence and photocatalytic properties of five coordination polymers based on rigid tetracarboxylic acids and imidazole linkers.

Magnetic and luminescent properties of lanthanide coordination polymers with asymmetric biphenyl-3,2′,5′-tricarboxylate

An asymmetric ligand was employed to construct eight (3,6)-connected lanthanide complexes exhibiting slow magnetization relaxation behaviour and characteristic luminescent properties.

Syntheses, structures, topologies, and luminescence properties of four coordination polymers based on bifunctional 6-(4-pyridyl)-terephthalic acid and bis(imidazole) bridging linkers

Four CPs, with the structure ranged from 2D sheet to 3D 3-fold penetrated net, have been designed with the mixed-ligand strategy of bifunctional 6-(4-pyridyl)-terephthalic acid and bis(imidazole) bridging linkers.

Structural diversity of five coordination polymers based on 2,6-bis(3,5-dicarboxyphenyl)pyridine ligand: solvothermal syntheses, structural characterizations, and magnetic properties

Five CPs, featuring diverse structures, have been assembled from the mixed ligands of H₄BDP and bib under different reaction conditions.

Metal-organic frameworks based on the [1,1':3',1''-terphenyl]-3,3'',5,5''-tetracarboxylic acid ligand: syntheses, structures and magnetic properties

The solvothermal reactions of [1,1':3',1''-terphenyl]-3,3'',5,5''-tetracarboxylic acid (H4TPTA) with transition metal cations afforded five novel coordination polymers in the presence of three pyridine ligands (4,4'-bipy = 4,4'-bipyridine, 2,2'-bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine and phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), namely [M(TPTA)0.5(4,4'-bpy)0.5(H2O)2]n (M = Co for (1), Ni for (2)), {[Mn2(TPTA)(2,2'-bpy)H2O]·1.5H2O}n (3), and [M(H2TPTA)(phen)]n (M = Mn for (4), Co for (5)). Their structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and further characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and thermogravimetric (TG) analyses. Polymers 1 and 2 are isomorphous and exhibit 3D 4-fold interpenetrated networks with the point Schläfli symbol of (4(2)·10(4)) (4·10(2)). Polymer 3 shows a 2D layer framework. Polymers 4 and 5 are also isomorphous and each displays a one-dimensional (1D) chain, which further forms a 2D supramolecular architecture via inter-chain π···π interactions. Moreover, variable-temperature magnetic susceptibilities of polymers 3-5 exhibit overall weak antiferromagnetic coupling between the adjacent M(II) ions.

Structural diversity and magnetic properties of six metal–organic polymers based on semirigid tricarboxylate ligand of 3,5-bi(4-carboxyphenoxy)benzoic acid

Six new metal–organic complexes with structural diversities constructed from 3,5-bi(4-carboxyphenoxy)benzoic acid and metal ions were synthesized and characterized.

Assembly of a series of d10 coordination polymers of pamoic acid through a mixed-ligand synthetic strategy: syntheses, structures and fluorescence properties

Eight fluorescent coordination compounds were obtained based on H₂PA and N-donor ligands through a mixed-ligand synthetic strategy.

Syntheses, structures, and properties of a series of 2D and 3D coordination polymers based on trifunctional pyridinedicarboxylate and different (bis)imidazole bridging ligands

Hydrothermal reactions based on two trifunctional pyridinedicarboxylate carboxylates and transitional metal cations in the presence of three (bis)imidazole bridging ligands afford ten 2D and 3D coordination polymers.

Syntheses, structures, and luminescence properties of four metal–organic polymers with undocumented topologies constructed from 3,5-bis((4′-carboxylbenzyl)oxy)benzoate ligand

Four 3D metal–organic polymers with new topologies based on 3,5-bis((4′-carboxylbenzyl)oxy)benzoic acid were synthesized and characterized.

Syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of six coordination polymers based on 4,5-di(4′-carboxylphenyl)phthalic acid and different bis(imidazole) bridging linkers

Six multi-dimensional metal–organic polymers based on 4,5-di(4′-carboxylphenyl)phthalic acid and bis(imidazole) bridging linkers were synthesized and characterized.

Syntheses, topologies, and luminescence of four Ln–organic polymers constructed from aromatic tetracarboxylic acids

Four interesting Ln coordination polymers based on tetracarboxylate acids have been hydrothermally synthesized through the linker extension strategy.

Syntheses, crystal structures and UV-visible absorption properties of five metal–organic frameworks constructed from terphenyl-2,5,2′,5′-tetracarboxylic acid and bis(imidazole) bridging ligands

Five novel coordination polymers based on terphenyl-2,5,2′,5′-tetracarboxylic acid and bis(imidazole) bridging ligands.

Syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of five coordination polymers constructed from biphenyl-3,4′,5-tricarboxylic acid and (bis)imidazole linkers

Five coordination polymers (CPs) based on biphenyl-3,4′,5-tricarboxylic acid and bis(imdizole) bridging linkers were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions.

Five Cd(ii) coordination polymers based on 2,3′,5,5′-biphenyltetracarboxylic acid and N-donor coligands: syntheses, structures and fluorescent properties

Five Cd(ii) coordination polymers based on 2,3′,5,5′-biphenyltetracarboxylic acid and different bis(imidazole) ligands have been synthesized.