A Review of MOFs and Their Composites-Based Photocatalysts: Synthesis and Applications

Photocatalysis is considered to be a green and environment-friendly technology since it can convert solar energy into other types of chemical energies. Over the past several years, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)-based photocatalysts have received remarkable research interest due to their unique morphology, high photocatalytic performance, good chemical stability, easy synthesis, and low cost. In this review, the synthetic strategies of developing MOFs-based photocatalysts are first introduced. Second, the recent progress in the fabrication of various types of MOFs composites photocatalysts is summarized. Third, the different applications including hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen evolution reaction, overall water splitting, nitrogen reduction reaction, carbon dioxide reduction reaction as well as photodegradation of organic pollutants of MOFs-based photocatalysts are summed up. Finally, the challenges and some suggestions for the future development of MOFs- and their composites-based photocatalysts are also highlighted. It is expected that this report will help researchers to systematically devise and develop highly efficient photocatalysts based on MOFs and their composites.

Automated summary

MOFs-based photocatalysts have unique morphology, high performance, stability, easy synthesis, and low cost. This review introduces synthetic strategies, summarizes various types of MOFs composite photocatalysts, and highlights different applications of MOFs-based photocatalysts.