Recent advances in the application of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)-based nanocatalysts for direct conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) to value-added chemicals

Abstract

This review discusses the real-world application of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs)-based nanocatalysts for direct conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) to value-added chemicals. Since CO2 emission levels have been incessantly on the upsurge, the conversion of CO2 to value-added chemical products like methane, methanol, ethanol, olefins, heterocycles, oligomers, etc. is gaining significant prominence. Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) owing to their characteristic features like tunable porosity, structural uniformity, and higher internal surface area are known to accelerate several reactions of high interest that even surpass the shortcomings associated with homogeneous catalysts. Herein, the recent trends and advancements for CO2 conversion to value-added products are comprehensively deliberated that exploit the specific MOFs-based nanocatalysts for the conversion of CO2 using different methods like photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, photoelectrocatalysis, hydrogenation, the cycloaddition of epoxides with CO2, and carboxylation of terminal alkynes with CO2. In addition, special emphasis is given to the relationship between CO2 capture capacity and catalytic activity of the MOFs-based nanocomposites developed in recent years (2015–2022). The entire compendium of literature chronicles their exceptional competence in the conversion of CO2, making these nanocomposites promising candidates for real-world applications. Furthermore, the merits, demerits, and prospects of MOFs-based nanocatalysts have been elaborated, by accentuating their future outlooks in this emerging and topical research field.