Efficient refinement of a metal–organic framework MIL-53(Fe) by UV–vis irradiation in aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution

In analogy to photocatalytic materials, the metal–organic framework MIL-53(Fe) showed up self-cleaning ability under light. In the presence of hydrogen peroxide and with exposure under UVA–vis irradiation, organic impurities were decomposed completely without damage of MIL-53(Fe) structure. The method is efficient and environment-friendly such that all the free and confined 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid in the MOF were decomposed within 1 h at room temperature. The MIL-53(Fe) samples before and after purification were fully analyzed using XRD, FTIR, FE-SEM and TGA measurements.