Multiple roles of metal–organic framework-based catalysts in photocatalytic CO2 reduction

Photocatalytic CO2 reduction is one of the ideal means to realize the carbon cycle. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have received great attention as catalysts for photocatalytic CO2RR in recent years. The adjustable metal nodes and organic ligands in MOFs make them multifunctional catalysts. Therefore, they can participate in photocatalytic CO2RR in different roles. MOFs can be used as primary photocatalysts or be coupled with other active species to form composite materials. They can also act as co-catalysts to cooperate with photosensitizers. Moreover, MOFs can be used as precursors or templates for the preparation of derived nanomaterials. These derivatives are also promising candidates in photocatalytic CO2RR. This review aims to outline multiple roles of MOFs and their derivatives in photocatalytic CO2RR. Meanwhile, the corresponding modification strategies are summarized. At the end of the manuscript, the present problems of MOFs applied in photocatalytic CO2RR are summarized and the future development and challenges are also proposed.