MOF derived nano-materials: A recent progress in strategic fabrication, characterization and mechanistic insight towards divergent photocatalytic applications

Abstract

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs), fabricated through co-ordination interaction between metal nodes and organic linkers, possess various special features including high surface area, tuneable porosity and remarkable light absorption capacity with better exciton lifetime, have been captured a lot of interest as photo-catalytic materials. The pristine MOFs can be used for the design of various MOF derived nano-materials (MDNMs) such as; super-porous carbon aerogels, layered double hydroxide (LDH), metal sulphides, metal oxides, spinel, metal phosphides, metal nitrides, graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), magnetic carbon sponge (MCS), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), hetero-atom doped material, monoliths, perovskite material and single atom catalysts (SACs) that has formulated a new route towards the research world. Basically, MOF derived nano-materials (MDNMs) are widely utilized as a promising photo-catalyst compared to parent materials due to their exceptional behaviour such as advanced functionalities, enhanced stability, desired morphologies and controllable textural properties. Primarily this review encompasses a through discussion on designing and fabricating MDNMs with wide variety of morphological and physico-chemical distinct characteristics. Additionally, the numerous photocatalytic uses of MDNMs have been comprehensively described with concise scientific explanations and the superiority of MDNMs are well represented by integrating the results of various sophisticated and analytical techniques. Moreover, the detailed mechanistic pathways are thoroughly explored for a more holistic insight. As this review covers the science of a wide range of reported MDNMs, we hope this review will be very helpful for the research community who are exploring MDNMs based photo-catalysts for sustainable energy and environmental applications.