A porphyrin-based metal organic framework for high rate photoreduction of CO2 to CH4 in gas phase

In the current study, porphyrin-based metal organic framework (Zn/PMOF) was prepared using tetrakis (4-carboxy phenyl) porphyrin (TCPP) as ligand and characterized by different spectra analyses. The FESEM and EDX measurements revealed the successful formation of a Zn/PMOF. The CO2 photoreduction experiments were carried out over Zn/PMOF in the presence of H2O vapor as photocatalyst and sacrificial electron donor, respectively, under UV/Visible light. The reaction products results showed that 10.43 mu mol CH4 was produced over Zn/PMOF during the 4h photocatalytic reaction under UV/Visible illumination where is 80.6% greater than bare ZnO under the same reaction condition. The stability and reusability of Zn/PMOF were investigated via recycling test and there were not significant losses of photocatalytic activities even after three cycles. In addition, UV-vis spectra and FTIR measurement showed no significant changes in photocatalyst structure. Finally, deactivation of the photocatalyst and the mechanism of the reaction were determined. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.