MOFs in photoelectrochemical water splitting: New horizons and challenges

Growing energy consumption with the augmentation in universal population to more than nine billion by 2050 and exhausting fossil fuel reserves necessitates a harsh revolution from non-renewable energy reservoirs to renewable energy reservoirs with zero carbon emission. In the present scenario, solar energy prompted photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting or Artificial Photosynthesis via light gripping semiconductor material, originates out as the most promising methodology in accomplishing the global energy crisis. Recent studies have amply demonstrated the potential of metal-organic frameworks (MOF) to-wards PEC applications. They are porous crystalline coordination polymers assembled through an appropriate choice of metal ions and multidentate organic ligands. Owing to their structural regularity and synthetic tunability, MOFs integration with PEC is consid-ered in terms of enhancing and broadening light absorption, providing active sites and directing charge transfer dynamics. Here, we have explored MOFs role in PEC and classified them into different categories such as photosensitizers, co-catalysts, counter electrode, template and also for imparting additional stability to the electrode system. MOFs medi-ated PEC water splitting is promising but is still rare and in its infancy. Therefore, it is pertinent and timely to take stock of the advancements made and develop insight on the use of MOFs, as an emerging solution for the problems encountered in PEC. This review covers the basics of MOF & mainly describes various case studies done during last 10 years and providing adequate impetus to researchers for critically assessing the recent advances and challenges that are faced by scientists and researchers at large. (c) 2021 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This article discusses the role of metal-organic frameworks (MOF) in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting and categorizes them into different roles. MOFs in PEC have functions such as enhancing light absorption, providing active sites, and guiding charge transfer dynamics. Although MOF-mediated PEC water splitting has promising prospects, it is still rare and in its infancy.