Recent advances in rational design, synthesis and application of metal-organic frameworks as visible-light-driven photocatalysts

The development of green renewable energy sources such as solar energy has become a focal point of research in addressing energy shortages and environmental pollution. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as a novel photocatalytic material have garnered widespread attention due to their highly ordered porous structure and large surface area. This paper comprehensively reviews the advancements in MOF photocatalysts under visible light over the past five years; it provides concepts and directions for readers entering the field of MOF photocatalysis, covering construction, optimization and application. It specifically focuses on applications, including organic transformations, pollutant degradation, CO2 reduction, N2 fixation, and H2 production. Finally, the future development prospects are also discussed to meet the requirements for using MOF photocatalysis as a low-cost, stable technology suitable for practical applications. This review comprehensively summarizes the advancements in MOF photocatalysts under visible light, covering construction, optimization and application. The existing challenges and future prospects in this area are also discussed.