A Uranyl-Organic Framework Featuring Two-Dimensional Graphene-like Layered Topology for Efficient Iodine and Dyes Capture

Abstract

A novel uranyl-organic framework [(CH₃)₂NH₂][UO₂(TATAB)]·2DMF·4H₂O (U-TATAB) was assembled through the solvothermal synthesis of UO₂(CH₃COO)₂·2H₂O and triazine tricarboxylate linker H₃TATAB (H₃TATAB = 4,4',4″-s-triazine-1,3,5-triyltri- p-aminobenzoate). It was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, IR, powder X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric microanalysis. It is worth mentioning that U-TATAB exhibits an original arrangement of structures with interesting topology. Structural analysis confirmed that U-TATAB displays an interesting two-dimensional graphene-like layered topology. In order to broaden its functional characteristics, we first investigated the functional adsorbent U-TATAB for iodine capture in cyclohexane solution and for the removal of dye in aqueous solution. Large porosity, unique structure character, and the π-electron walls made of TATAB make the material a promising functional absorbent exhibiting excellent adsorption performance for iodine and dye molecules. Most notably, this is the first case of a uranyl-organic framework built by secondary building unit (SBU) [UO₂(RCOO)₃]^- and extended trigonal triazine tricarboxylate ligand H₃TATAB with amino functional groups.