Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs): A Promising Photocatalytic Material

Abstract

Background and Methods: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) regarded as threedimensional analogues of coordination polymers (CPs) find utility in varied applications viz. sensing of ions and molecules, gas/small molecule absorption/separation, catalysis, gas storage, membranes and drug delivery system. In recent years, their applications as photocatalyst for the photodegradation of aromatic dyes have been explored. In addition, computational studies have been employed to complement the experiments, which provided new insight on MOFs/CPs to understand mechanistic pathways of photocatalysis. Results and Discussion: This perspective presents the designing strategies and structures of photoactive MOFs and plausible mechanistic pathways using photocatalysed degradation of organic dyes, a lethal component present in wastewater discharge from industries. Conclusion: The presentation study suggested that using appropriate rigid, semi-rigid and flexible organic ligands with appropriate antennae and suitable co-ligand on coordination to the main group, transition and inner transition metal centers could engender targeted MOFs that can display superior photocatalytic properties.