Photocatalytic decontamination of methyl violet by a 3D twofold interpenetrating metal–organic framework

Complex 1 showed a stable activity for methyl violet (MV) degradation and its plausible mechanism was investigated by using various scavengers. [Display omitted] •A new bimodal (4, 6)-connected network was obtained.•1 showed a stable activity for methyl violet (MV) degradation.•This study demonstrates that flexible MOFs can be engineered to display intrinsic photocatalytic activity. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have considered as a class of crystalline porous materials, which provides an advanced platform to develop catalysts for the photocatalytic dyes from wastewater. Herein, a new twofold interpenetrating MOF namely, {[Co2(bdc)2(bmp)1.5]·DMF·1.5H2O}n (1) was synthesized by the hydrothermal reaction (bmp = 1,3-bis(2-methylimidazolyl)pentane, H2bdc = 1,3-benzenedicarboxy acid). 1 exhibits a bimodal (4, 6)-connected network with a Schläfli symbol of (43.63)2(46.66.83). 1 showed a moderate activity for methyl violet (MV) degradation after four consecutive usages. MV degradation over the title MOF photocatalyst follows first order kinetics. Finally, the plausible mechanism was investigated by using various scavengers.