Recently,
two-dimensional metal–organic frameworks that
are photoactive have shown great potential for efficiently converting
solar energy into chemical energy. In this work, we successfully synthesized
and designed two M2-MOFs ([Cu(L1)((CH3)2NH)]n (Cu-MOF) and [Zn(L1)(CH3)2NH)]n (Zn-MOF), H2
L1 = 4,4′-(benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole-4,7-diyl)dibenzoic
acid). Structural analysis suggests that the five-coordinated M(II)
ion is surrounded by four oxygen ions from two ligands and one nitrogen
atom from one dimethylamine molecule. The ligand spacer acts as a
bridge between two SBUs and forms a 2D layer with rhomboid windows.
These moieties are arranged in a staggered ABAB pattern, which likely
aids in exfoliation. The UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra
(DRS) test shows that when the metal center in the MOF framework is
replaced with Cu(II) ions, the light absorption range covers 200–1100
nm, which is much larger than the light absorption range of Zn-MOF. Moreover, the photoelectric current, electrochemical
impedance spectra (EIS), and Mott–Schottky tests all indicate
that Cu-MOF has better photoelectric properties. When
applied to the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI), Cu-MOF and Zn-MOF can completely reduce Cr(VI) within 100
min under 450 nm LED light irradiation. Under sunlight irradiation, Cu-MOF can completely reduce Cr(VI) within 40 min, achieving
the removal of Cr(VI) ions, which is much faster than the rate of
Cr(VI) removal by Zn-MOF.