Enhanced water stability and catalytic activity of Fe-based metal-organic frameworks with co-ligands for...

Fe-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have good photocatalytic performance, environmental friendliness, low cost, and abundance. However, their applications are limited by low water stability, particularly in the presence of light irradiation and oxidizing agents. In this study, we present a MIL-53(Fe)-based MOF using 1,4-naphthalene dicarboxylic (1,4-NDC) and 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic (H₂BDC) acid co-ligands, denoted MIL-53(Fe)-N_x, where N_x represents the ratio of 1,4-NDC. This MOF exhibits high water stability and good photocatalytic activity because of the hydrophobicity of naphthalene. The removal and mineralization rates for 100 mg/L 2,4-dichlorophenol reached 100% and 22%, respectively, within 60 min. After three cycles of use, the Fe leached into the solution from the catalysts was significantly lower than the maximum permissible limit indicated in the European Union standard. Of note, 1,4-NDC can be used to make a rigid MOF, thereby improving the crystallinity, porosity, and hydrophobicity of the resultant materials. It also significantly reduced the bandgap energy and improved the charge separation efficiency of the catalysts. This study provides a route to enhance the water stability of Fe-based MOFs via a mixed-ligand strategy to expand their applications in pollutant control.