A Zn-based Zig-Zag 1D chain type coordination polymer for removal of methylene blue dye from an aqueous solution

A 1D zig-zag zinc coordination chain, [Zn(piv)₂]_n (1) (where piv = pivalic acid) has been synthesized by a reaction of ZnCl₂ with O-donor pivalic acid in the mixed solvent system (MeCN/MeOH) and structurally characterized via ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and X-ray crystallography. The crystal structure is a bridging chain of zinc metal connected via pivalic acids. The synthesized coordination polymer was explored for photochemistry to study photoluminescence and photocatalytic properties. The photocatalytic properties were investigated against methylene blue (MB) dye under UV light illumination. Under optimal reaction conditions (catalyst dosage = 10 mg, initial concentration of dye = 20 mg/L, pH = 9) the maximum photodegradation of methylene blue was found to be 72.56% in 120 min illumination time. The photocatalytic reaction showed pseudo-second-order kinetics with a rate constant of 0.012 L.mg⁻¹.min⁻¹. Furthermore, the recyclability test showed that compound 1 retained its photocatalytic potential even after five successive uses. The compound 1 could be a proficient and economical choice for the photocatalytic elimination of pollutants from wastewater.