Microwave-assisted synthesis of Zr-based metal-organic polyhedron: Serving as efficient visible-light photocatalyst for Cr(VI) reduction

For the first time, a microwave-assisted synthesis approach was used to prepare an amino-functionalized Zr-based metal-organic polyhedron (denoted as MW-ZrT-1-NH2). The reaction time was shortened from 12 h to 2 min when compared to the traditional solvothermal method, resulting in crystalline products with good yield and purity. Herein, MW-ZrT-1-NH2 was utilized as a photocatalyst for the catalytic reduction of Cr(VI) under visible -light irradiation. The results revealed that MW-ZrT-1-NH2 exhibits better photocatalytic performance for Cr(VI) reduction. Furthermore, a plausible photocatalytic mechanism was proposed via electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements and radical trapping tests.