Metal–organic framework-derived heterojunctions as nanocatalysts for photocatalytic hydrogen production

Abstract

A summary of using the pore chemistry or surface chemistry of MOFs to construct heterojunction nanocatalysts for photocatalytic hydrogen production.

Abstract

Based on various well-defined components and structures, high specific surface areas and adjustable pore sizes, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have not only been widely used for gas sorption and separation as well as catalytic and sensing materials but have also been applied as the precursors for nanomaterials with promising applications such as in energy storage and conversion. In this review, we reported a summary of the recent progress of MOF-derived heterojunctions as nanocatalysts for photocatalytic hydrogen production from water splitting, which is organized in two main categories: (i) using the pore chemistry of MOFs to accommodate small species for MOF-derived heterojunctions; (ii) using the surface chemistry of MOFs to combine with other functional species for MOF-derived heterojunctions. The fundamentals of the rational design and synthesis of MOF-derived heterojunctions for photocatalytic hydrogen production were discussed in detail.