Diversity and recent progressive trend in MOFs-based photo-electrocatalysts for selective CO2 reduction

Structural formations of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are predominately composed of empty space pockets inside a honeycomb structure assembled of organic linkers and metal ions, with the exception of a few small pockets of filled spaces. However, these extraordinary filled pockets provide a valuable resource as its appli-cations when it comes through in various active areas. Recently, taking advantage of the rare combination of porosity, high surface area, and charge conductivity incorporated in MOFs applications such as electronic sen-sors, charge storage devices, electrocatalysts, and others previously outside the scope, but now has been developed. This review envisioned a scenario by presenting a piece of individual and collective established studies and investigations during the last few years for carbon dioxide reduction (CO2R) as MOF-based com-posites adjacent with semiconductor, photosensitizer, and conductive photo-electrocatalysts are discussed. Various strategies have been discussed to improve photo-electrocatalysts' performance by synthesis, bandgap engineering, and mobilizing the catalyst surface for optimizing yield. Moreover, the reaction mechanisms to drive the MOF, operational, improve stability, and evaluation approaches are summarized. To end with a dis-cussion, actual limitations, future perspectives, and concerns are addressed in this review.

Automated summary

This review presents the applications of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in carbon dioxide reduction and discusses various strategies for optimizing the performance of photo-electrocatalysts in composite materials. The review also summarizes the reaction mechanisms, operation, stability, and evaluation methods of MOFs, and addresses actual limitations, future perspectives, and concerns.