Porphyrin-Based Metal–Organic Frameworks as Sustainable Photocatalysts for Micropollutant Degradation: A Critical Review on Structure, Mechanism and Future Perspectives

Abstract

The growing concerns due to the presence of micropollutants in the environment necessitate the development of advanced and sustainable technologies for their degradation. For this problem, Porphyrin-based Metal–Organic Frameworks (P-MOFs) are used as highly efficient photocatalysts for the degradation of micropollutants. The incorporation of metal ions into Porphyrin moieties offers a synergistic approach, combining the unique properties of P-MOFs with porosity, redox behavior, and band gap energy. This critical review provides an overview of the structures, synthesis methods, and mechanisms underlying the photocatalytic activity of P-MOFs. Recent advances and research findings are discussed, highlighting the promising outcomes and breakthroughs achieved. Performance evaluations, comparative analyses, and considerations of practical applications are explored, emphasizing the environmental impact and sustainability of the P-MOFs. Moreover, current challenges, future perspectives, and proposals for further research to enhance the efficacy of P-MOFs in addressing environmental remediation are discussed. The review concludes with insights that P-MOFs can be used as effective and stable photocatalysts for the degradation of a wide range of micropollutants without losing their activity.