[Ni(N2H5)2(C2O4)2]·2H2O: Formation, crystal structure, catalytic performance and sorbence activities

The new complex [Ni(N2H5)2(C2O4)2]·2H2O has been successfully prepared in solution. It was characterized by X-rays, Infrared spectroscopy and thermal stability analysis. [Ni(N2H5)2(C2O4)2].2H2O crystalizes in the monoclinic (P21/c), with the cell parameters: a = 5.5996(3) Å, b = 14.6337(6) Å, c = 7.3201(3) Å, β = 108.121(5)°, V = 570.08(5) Å3, Z = 2. Its framework is made of discrete (N2H5)22+ cations, [Ni(ox)2]2- anions, and two H2O molecules. The sorptivity and catalytic potential of the complex were tested both as a sorbent for methylene blue (MB) dye in aqueous solutions and as a catalyst for the oxidation and degradation of (MB) in presence of H2O2. The removal of MB resulted in 100% at pH = 11 for initial (MB) dye concentrations lower than 4 ppm. In another experiment, the degradation of methylene blue dye with H2O2, using the title complex as catalyst, was 80% after 10 min and reached 94% after 2 h. [Display omitted] •The crystal structure of [Ni(N2H5)2(C2O4)2]·2H2O has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction.•The synthesized complex [Ni(N2H5)2(C2O4)2]·2H2O was tested as a sorbent for the removal of cationic methylene blue (MB) dye from aqueous solution.•The complex [Ni(N2H5)2(C2O4)2]·2H2O is an effective catalyst in the oxidation and degradation of MBin aqueous solutions.