2D Metal Organic Framework Nanosheet: A Universal Platform Promoting Highly Efficient Visible‐Light‐Induced Hydrogen Production

Abstract

Abstract2D metal organic frameworks (MOF) have received tremendous attention due to their organic–inorganic hybrid nature, large surface area, highly exposed active sites, and ultrathin thickness. However, the application of 2D MOF in light‐to‐hydrogen (H2) conversion is rarely reported. Here, a novel 2D MOF [Ni(phen)(oba)]n·0.5nH2O (phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline, oba = 4,4′‐oxybis(benzoate)) is for the first time employed as a general, high‐performance, and earth‐abundant platform to support CdS or Zn0.8Cd0.2S for achieving tremendously improved visible‐light‐induced H2‐production activity. Particularly, the CdS‐loaded 2D MOF exhibits an excellent H2‐production activity of 45 201 µmol h−1 g−1, even exceeding that of Pt‐loaded CdS by 185%. Advanced characterizations, e.g., synchrotron‐based X‐ray absorption near edge structure, and theoretical calculations disclose that the interactive nature between 2D MOF and CdS, combined with the high surface area, abundant reactive centers, and favorable band structure of 2D MOFs, synergistically contribute to this distinguished photocatalytic performance. The work not only demonstrates that the earth‐abundant 2D MOF can serve as a versatile and effective platform supporting metal sulfides to boost their photocatalytic H2‐production performance without noble‐metal co‐catalysts, but also paves avenues to the design and synthesis of 2D‐MOF‐based heterostructures for catalysis and electronics applications.

Thin‐Layered Photocatalysts

“…Due to its high surface area and suitable pore size, the CdS nanoparticles can be decorated on Ni‐MOLs surface, thus generating an efficient photocatalytic system. [ 69 ] As emerging thin‐layered materials, MOLs have made remarkable advance in the field of photocatalysis in just a few years. However, there still exist obstacles on the road of practical applications, such as high cost, low stability, and in‐depth insights for their structure–activity relationship.…”

A New Strategy for Solar‐to‐Hydrogen Energy Conversion: Photothermal‐Promoted Electrocatalytic Water Splitting

“…Natural photosynthesis systems provide us a blueprint for solar energy storage in terms of hydrogen . Inspired by nature, protocols have been developed for STH energy conversion based on light‐driven water splitting,, including photocatalytic water splitting, photoelectrochemical water splitting and photovoltaic water electrolysis (Figure ) ,…”

“…[1,2] Natural photosynthesis systems provide us a blueprint for solar energy storage in terms of hydrogen. [3] Inspired by nature, protocols have been developed for STH energy conversion based on light-driven water splitting, [4,5] including photocatalytic water splitting, [6][7][8][9][10][11][12] photoelectrochemical water splitting [13][14][15] and photovoltaic water electrolysis ( Figure 1). [16,17] Briefly, photocatalytic systems require the use of semiconductors or photosensitizers to absorb photons.…”

Atomically Dispersed Single Co Sites in Zeolitic Imidazole Frameworks Promoting High‐Efficiency Visible‐Light‐Driven Hydrogen Production

“…Photocatalysis, which can harvest solar energy and convert it into clean and carbon‐free hydrogen (H 2 ) energy by solar water splitting, is deemed as an ideal technique to achieve the sustainable and environmentally benign production of solar fuels . To date, although numerous types of photocatalysts have been developed, their activities and stabilities are still far from satisfactory . In addition, a noble‐metal Pt co‐catalyst is usually employed to boost the photocatalytic performance .…”

“…To date, although numerous types of photocatalysts have been developed, their activities and stabilities are still far from satisfactory. [3,6,[8][9][10] In addition, an oble-metal Pt co-cata-lyst is usually employed to boost the photocatalytic performance. [8-10, 22, 24, 26-30] However, the high price and low abundance of Pt seriouslyo bstructt he practical application of photocatalysts.…”