Solid-state structural transformation of Zn(II)-bpe coordination polymers triggered by dual stimuli

Solid-state structural transformation of coordination polymers (CPs) under more than one stimulus provides pathway of versatile structures with subtle regulation. The prepared CPs, Zn-bpe ([{(F3CCO2) (O2CCH3)Zn}(2) (bpe)(2)](n), bpe is 1, 2-bis (4-pyridine) ethylene) exhibits solid-state structural transformation trigged by environmental friendly stimuli, UV light and ozone. Zn-bpe undergoes [2 + 2] photodimerization reaction under UV light irradiation and bpe of Zn-bpe are transferred to pyridine aldehyde and pyridine acid under ozone irradiation. However, such transformation retains the crystal structure of original Zn-bpe. Besides, Zn-bpe and its transformations with slight structural differences are regarded as precursors and result in different calcination product with distinctive photocatalytic activities for RhB degradation. The calcination product derived from ozone irradiated Zn-bpe, O-Zn-bpe-350, presents superior photocatalytic ability, as about 91% RhB are degraded after 180 min visible light irradiation.