Full-spectrum Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production by MOFs Materials - A Minireview

A reliable and sustainable energy source is essential for human survival and progress. Hydrogen energy is both clean and environmentally friendly, which highlights the need for the development of effective photocatalysts to enhance the efficiency of photocatalytic hydrogen production. Near-infrared (NIR) light makes up a significant part of the solar spectrum and possesses strong penetration capabilities. Therefore, it is important to enhance research on photocatalysis that utilizes both NIR and visible light. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) possess outstanding photocatalytic characteristics and are utilized in various applications for the photocatalytic generation of hydrogen. Consequently, this minireview examines the fundamental characteristics of MOFs, focusing on their classification, the mechanisms of hydrogen production, and the use of MOFs composites in photocatalytic hydrogen production. It discusses MOFs materials that feature type I, II, III, Z, and S heterojunctions, along with strategies for modifying MOFs through elemental doping and the addition of co-catalysts. The study investigates methods to expand the photo-response range through up-conversion, reduce the band gap of photocatalyst materials, and utilize plasmon resonance and photothermal effects. This minireview lays the groundwork for achieving photocatalysis that responds to near-infrared and visible light, thereby enhancing photocatalytic efficiency for hydrogen production. Finally, the guidance and obstacles for upcoming studies on MOFs materials in the context of photocatalytic hydrogen production are examined.