Metal oxides and metal organic frameworks for the photocatalytic degradation: A review

Nowadays, materials not only are essential for important applications in human life, also have a vital role in the chemical industries. From the past decade, metal-organic frame works (MOF) and metal oxides of Ti, Zn etc., are being recognized as effective, low-cost and an environmentally friendly option to existing available materials for industrial use and environmental remedies. Their wide range of interesting properties with exceptionally high surface area, low-cost synthesis etc., make them suitable for extensive use in a vast domain. In this review various properties of MOF and metal oxides, their synthesis techniques, structure and various applications have been discussed. Photocatalysis is one of the most important application of metal oxides and metal-organic frameworks (MOF). In another word, photocatalysis is an effective technique that is used for the elimination of contaminants from waste water, that have adverse effects on aquatic life and environment. It involves changing of solar energy to chemical energy. Both these materials are being used to treat waste water and have proven to be very efficient because of their exceptionally large surface area and porous nature. This article summarizes the fundamental mechanisms of photocatalysis. Finally, MOF, TiO2, ZnO and metal doped-ZnO have been discussed in detail for their recent progress in photocatalytic activities. The hydrolysis through catalysis for clean hydrogen energy is explored as future outlook of this review.