Recent research advances of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) based composites for photocatalytic H2 evolution

Global energy demand is increasing, but traditional fossil energy reserves are limited, non-renewable and causing serious environmental problems. A useful solution is to transform endless solar energy into eco-friendly and reproducible chemical energy to release both energy and environmental pressures simultaneously, which can be achieved by photocatalytic water splitting technology. Metal organic frameworks (MOFs)-based composites have the advantages of large specific surface area (SSA), adjustable structure, rich active sites, and easy functionalization, which have broad application prospects in photocatalytic H2 production. However, pristine MOFs suffer from limited H2 production rate and unsatisfied durability owing to the serious charge recombination and poor stability. This review summarizes two strategies in promoting the photocatalytic H2 production of MOFs-based composites: one is modifying the initial structure of MOFs and the other is combining MOFs with other suitable substances. We emphatically analyze the effectiveness of these MOF-based photocatalysts in producing hydrogen as well as any possible mechanisms. Finally, we give some suggestions for the future research on the highly activity and stable MOFs-based composites for photocatalytic H2 evolution.