Sustaining energy systems using metal oxide composites as photocatalysts

Abstract

Among the various types of metal organic frameworks (MOFs), the metal-oxide-based ones fulfill all the essential criteria such as strong bonding, organic linking units, and highly crystalline nature, properties required to be effective photocatalysts to serve environmental remediation. Moreover, the even spread of active sites and semiconductor properties make the MOFs ideal for absorbing irradiation from UV as well as visible light sources. Metal oxide composites with carbon based materials, especially, show high photocatalytic activity toward the degradation of organic dyes. Considering the relatively low cost of metal oxide semiconductors compared to pure metallic nanoparticles, metal oxide composites can provide a great alternative as photocatalysts especially considering the adjustable bandgaps and synergistic effects. Therefore, the metal oxide application as the photocatalysts in industry and technology in terms of techno-economic advantage is attracted. In this study, energy sustainability and solving carbon-related issues through metal oxide-based materials are discussed. This study aims to review metal oxide composites including metal oxide-MOFs and metal oxide-carbon material compositions as photocatalysts, application, merits in environmental and energy systems performances, and its contribution as an influential factor for sustainable development.