Advanced photocatalysts based on metal nanoparticle/metal-organic framework composites

Abstract

Photocatalysis, via conversion of light into valuable chemicals, is an economic and effective way to utilize inexhaustible solar energy for the sustainable development of our human society. Aiming at killing two birds with one stone, metal nanoparticle (MNP)/metal-organic framework (MOF) composites via integration of the individual advantages of MNP and MOF have been becoming a versatile photocatalyst. Moreover, owing to the synergist effect between each component, MNP/MOF composite photocatalysts usually show greatly promoted catalytic activity, selectivity and long-term recyclability. In this review, first of all, the widely adopted synthesis strategies of MNP/MOF composite are introduced comprehensively, and then their recent advances in photocatalysis including photocatalytic hydrogen production, carbon dioxide reduction, organic transformation reactions and photodegradation of pollutants are summarized and highlighted. Finally, challenges and perspectives among MNP/MOF based photocatalysis are also proposed and discussed for advancing further development in this hot research field.

A photosensitive metal–organic framework having a flower-like structure for effective visible light-driven photodegradation of rhodamine B

“…[5][6][7][8][9][10] Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) 11 are crystalline porous materials constructed from organic linkers and metal ions or clusters. 12,13 They have been successfully applied in catalysis, especially in the eld of photocatalysis, [14][15][16] due to high specic surface areas, large porosities, tunable pore sizes, and exible functionality. 17,18 In particular, the porphyrin-based MOFs have better photothermal stability, better photosensitivity and longlifetime excited states, and show excellent photoelectric performance, because the porphyrin molecule has large pconjugated structure with high rigidity and shows good electron mobility.…”

Plasmonic metal‐organic frameworks

“…Nevertheless, both plasmonic NPs and MOFs suffer from several drawbacks as catalysts, which may be overcome when they are combined. The plasmonic component can either act as a catalyst or enhance the catalytic performance of the MOF through plasmon‐based processes (hot electron injection or thermal effects) 41,82,134 . On the other hand, MOFs can improve the catalytic performance of metal NPs by improving their stability, avoiding catalyst poisoning, 36 enhancing the adsorption of the catalytic substrate, 135,136 providing molecular size‐selective properties, 72,137 facilitating tandem reactions, 138–140 and so on.…”

Photoactive Hybrid Materials based on Conjugated Porous Polymers and Inorganic Nanoparticles

“…Thus, the research of inorganic NPs combined with conjugated POPs, either amorphous or crystalline, to produce new photoactive materials is less abundant than that of their structural analogues with MOFs and other POPs or linear π‐conjugated polymers. [ 73,80–82 ]…”