A strategy to improve homogeneous molecular catalyst stability, efficiency, and selectivity is the immobilization on supporting surfaces or within host matrices. Herein, we examine the co‐immobilization of a CO2 reduction catalyst [ReBr(CO)3(4,4′‐dcbpy)] and a photosensitizer [Ru(bpy)2(5,5′‐dcbpy)]Cl2 using the isoreticular series of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) UiO‐66, ‐67, and ‐68. Specific host pore size choice enables distinct catalyst and photosensitizer spatial location—either at the outer MOF particle surface or inside the MOF cavities—affecting catalyst stability, electronic communication between reaction center and photosensitizer, and consequently the apparent catalytic rates. These results allow for a rational understanding of an optimized supramolecular layout of catalyst, photosensitizer, and host matrix.

Cooperative metal–photoswitch interfaces comprise an application-driven field which is based on strategic coupling of metal cations and organic photochromic molecules to advance the behavior of both components, resulting in dynamic molecular and material properties controlled through external stimuli. In this Perspective, we highlight the ways in which metal–photoswitch interplay can be utilized as a tool to modulate a system’s physicochemical properties and performance in a variety of structural motifs, including discrete molecular complexes or cages, as well as periodic structures such as metal–organic frameworks. This Perspective starts with photochromic molecular complexes as the smallest subunit in which metal–photoswitch interactions can occur, and progresses toward functional materials. In particular, we explore the role of the metal–photoswitch relationship for gaining fundamental knowledge of switchable electronic and magnetic properties, as well as in the design of stimuli-responsive sensors, optically gated memory devices, catalysts, and photodynamic therapeutic agents. The abundance of stimuli-responsive systems in the natural world only foreshadows the creative directions that will uncover the full potential of metal–photoswitch interactions in the coming years.

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