Polyoxometalate-based Cu(II) complexes as the photocatalyst for oxidation of toluene and photodegradation of metronidazole
Fei Wang, Chaojun Jing, Jiejie Ping, Danyang He, Wenhui Shang, Muling Zeng, Nan Wang, Zhiyu Jia
Abstract
Polyoxometalates (POMs), with powerful multi-electron transfer capability, have been applied as photocatalysts. The Cu&POM-based complex, composed of PMo<sub>12</sub> and 1,10-phenanthroline, has been constructed a supramolecular framework through hydrogen bonding and p-p interactions. The complex exhibits excellent photocatalytic performance in the oxidation of toluene and the photodegradation of metronidazole. The oxidation of toluene using Cu-PMo<sub>12</sub> was carried out with high yield and selectivity (100%) under low-energy conditions, and unprecedented results and outstanding stability were achieved in cycling tests. Photodegradation of metronidazole using Cu-PMo<sub>12</sub> showed a degradation rate of 0.178. This could aid in the design and synthesize of novel Cu&POM-based complex with excellent photocatalytic activities in the future.