A comprehensive review: green synthesis and advanced characterization of ZIFs for improved photocatalyst degradation of pollutants

The global energy crisis and environmental degradation call for innovative solutions, with semiconductor photocatalysts emerging as a promising option. Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs), a type of metal-organic framework (MOF), exhibit unique properties such as large surface areas, excellent thermal stability, and biodegradability, making them highly suitable for photodegradation applications. This paper reviews the green synthesis methods for ZIFs, their characterisation, and the latest advancements in ZIF-based photocatalyst research for the degradation of organic pollutants in water, including drugs, dyes, antibiotics, and other contaminants. Special attention is given to the supramolecular aspects underlying the photodegradation activity, including non-covalent interactions such as hydrogen bonding, π-π stacking, and host-guest interactions that can influence the design and performance of ZIF-based hybrid materials. The paper also explores the challenges and future potential of ZIF research in photocatalysis, highlighting how understanding these supramolecular interactions could pave the way for enhanced design strategies.