Tripyridine-Derivative-Derived Semiconducting Iodo-Argentate/Cuprate Hybrids with Excellent Visible-Light-Induced Photocatalytic Performance.

Through regulating the pH values, a series of iodo-argentate/cuprate hybrids, [Me3 (4-TPT)]4 [Ag6 I18 ] (1, Me3 (4-TPT)=N,N',N''-trimethyl-2,4,6-tris(4-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine), [Me3 (4-TPT)][M5 I8 ] (M=Ag/2, Cu/2 a), [Me3 (3-TPT)][M5 I8 ] (Me3 (3-TPT)=N,N',N''-trimethyl-2,4,6-tris(3-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine, M=Ag/3, Cu/4), which exhibit adjustable structural variations with different dimensional structures, have been obtained under solvothermal conditions. They are directed by two types of in situ N-alkylation TPT-derivatives (Me3 (4-TPT) for 1/2/2 a and Me3 (3-TPT) for 3/4) and represent the isolated units (1), 1D polymeric chain (4), 2D layered structures (2/2 a, 3) based on diverse metal iodide clusters. These compounds possess reducing band gaps as compared with the bulk β-AgI and CuI and belong to potential semiconductor materials. Iodocuprates feature highly efficient photocatalytic activity in the sunlight-induced degradation of organic dyes. The detailed study on the possible photocatalytic mechanism, including radical trapping tests and theoretical calculations, reveals that the N-alkylation TPT moieties contribute to the narrow semiconducting behavior and effectively inhibit the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, which result in an excellent visible-light-induced photocatalytic performance.