Metal–Organic Framework (MOF)‐based Single Atom Catalysts (SACs) for Photocatalytic Energy Conversion

Abstract

Abstract Recently metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been demonstrated as potential precursors for obtaining single atom catalysts (SACs). Although SACs are attracting significant scientific attention due to their exceptional catalytic properties, the synthesis of SACs is still challenging due to their high surface free energy and this limits the growth of SACs. However, recent scientific research indicates that MOFs, due to their interesting structural feature, tunable pore size, high porosity, and exceptional thermal and chemical stability, can be an ideal candidate for the development of SACs. Current environmental crisis highly demands development of efficient photocatalysts for sustainable energy conversions such as photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, photocatalytic carbon dioxide, oxygen reduction, and so forth. MOF‐based SACs are emerging as most potent photocatalyst for such energy conversion. This review summarizes the advances in the field of MOF‐based SAC systems for photocatalytic energy conversions referred to above, along with mechanistic aspects. The complementarity of MOFs and SACs in the principle of photocatalysis have been elucidated. This review also seeks to offer an insight into the challenges involved and the future prospects of MOF‐based SAsystems.