An uncommon 3D (3,8)-connected metal-organic framework: Luminescence sensing and photocatalytic properties

A new tripodal carboxylic ligand, 2-(4-carboxylphenoxy) terephthalic acid (H3L2), readily reacts with Zn(II) salt in the presence of 4,4′-bipyridine (4,4′-bipy) to afford a new metal-organic framework of {Zn3(L2)2(μ2-H2O)(4,4′-bipy)}n (1). 1 shows 3D two-fold interpenetrating network with (3,8)-connected tfz-d topology. 1 exhibits impressive pH stability and strong luminescence, making it an excellent candidate as a fluorescent chemical sensor. It is extremely responsive to toxic heavy metal ion (Hg2+) and TNT explosive. Importantly, 1 as the luminescent probe of Hg2+ can be simply and quickly regenerated, which represents a rare example in reported luminescent sensors of Hg2+. Furthermore, the photocatalytic property of 1 for degradation of the Rhodamine B (RhB) has been examined.