Water-stable Mn-based MOF nanosheet as robust visible-light-responsive photocatalyst in aqueous solution

Development of visible-light-responsive metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for promising solar energy conversion has inspired continuous interest, but it still suffers from poor stability especially in aqueous solution and/or under photoirradiation due to their relatively labile coordination bonds. Herein, a new synthesized layered Mn-based MOF (Mn-TBAPy-BK) and its exfoliated two-demensional nanosheets (Mn-TBAPy-NS) are revealed to be highly stable no matter in aqueous solution with wide pH region or under visible light irradiation. As expected, the exfoliated Mn-TBAPy-NS exhibits enhanced surface area, shortened charge transfer distance, and superior charge separation with respect to the bulk one. Moreover, the as-obtained nanosheets can be employed as effective building block for nanocomposite and heterostructure assembly to further promote charge separation as well as solar hydrogen production from aqueous solution under visible light. The finding of water stable MOF nanosheet under visible light demonstrates its promising future for solar energy conversion.