A Cerium-Containing Metal-Organic Framework: Synthesis and Heterogeneous Catalytic Activity toward Fenton-Like...

A cerium-based metal-organic framework, namely MOF-589, was synthesized using benzoimidephenanthroline tetracarboxylic acid (H₄ BIPA-TC) as an organic linker. Full characterization including single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction analysis, thermogravimetrical analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and N₂ adsorption measurements at low pressure and 77 K were carried out. The material was employed as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for decomposition of methylene blue (MB) dye (40 ppm) in the presence of H₂ O₂ in 15 minutes. Interestingly, comparison studies showed that the activity of MOF 589 was higher than that of other iron-based heterogeneous and cerium-based catalysts. Further experiments to clarify the MOF 589 activity indicated that the BIPA-TC linker might have an important impact through a cooperative effect on the metal cluster. Control studies confirmed that the presence of catalyst was necessary for the reaction to occur and the catalyst recyclability. In particular, catalysis from leached cerium in the reaction filtrate is unlikely and the solid material could be reused at least eight times without a remarkable loss in activity.