Fundamentals of metal-organic framework-based photocatalysts: The role of chemical diversity and structure engineering

The utilization of solar energy in driving chemical reactions through photocatalysis is essential in promoting a sustainable future. However, the development of synthetic materials with photochemical properties continues to pose a significant challenge in the field of materials science. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) provide a powerful platform for establishing effective photocatalyst systems due to their atomically precise structures, modifiable chemical environment, and semiconductor-like behavior. This work comprehensively reviews the design and synthesis strategies of MOF-based photocatalysts, with particular emphasis on light absorption, photogenerated carrier separation, catalytic active sites, and reaction selectivity. The objective of these approaches is to identify and rationalize design parameters to generate optimized chemical composition, functional nanostructures, and corresponding performance parameters. In this review, we highlight how the parameters of MOFs can serve as the knobs for maneuvering light harvesting, charge separation and migration, as well as altering subsequent surface chemical reaction. We hope that this will contribute towards further understanding and inspiration for developing photocatalytic reaction based on MOFs materials.