Research progress of MOF-based materials in photocatalytic reduction of CO2 and N2

With the impact of global warming and energy shortage, human demand for renewable energy is increasing. Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 and N2 can be converted into high-value-added products, which has broad application prospects in alleviating the energy crisis. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have high porosity and structural tunability, allowing for better conversion and storage of solar energy. In the field of green photochemistry, especially photocatalytic CO2 reduction and photocatalytic N2 fixation, MOFs and MOF-related materials are potential candidates. However, MOFs as photocatalysts face many practical problems such as a cumbersome preparation process, poor repeatability, high cost, large band-gap width, limited absorption of visible light, and kinetic instability. In this review, the optimized synthesis methods of MOFs and composites are outlined, and the research progress on improving the photocatalytic performance of MOF-based photocatalysts for the reduction of CO2 and N2 is emphasized from the aspects of pure MOFs and composites.