The ionothermal synthesis of a 3D indium metal–organic framework: Crystal structure, photoluminescence property and photocatalytic activity

A novel 3D indium metal–organic framework, namely, {[EMIM]2[InK(1,2,4,5-BTC)1.5(H2O)2]}n (1) (1,2,4,5-BTC = 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylate), has been synthesized under ionothermal conditions by using the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([EMIM]Br) as solvent. Two In and two K atoms were linked by two μ3-H2O to give a [In2K2(μ3-H2O)2] tetranuclear cluster, which are connected by 1,2,4,5-BTC ligands to form the 3D anionic framework of compound 1. Furthermore, the [EMIM]+ cations acting as extra framework charge-balancing species occupy the channels of the 3D anionic framework. Notably, compound 1 shows strong blue luminescence and remarkable photocatalytic degradation of methylthionine chloride.