Recent research advances of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) based composites for photocatalytic H₂ evolution

Global energy demand is increasing, but traditional fossil energy reserves are limited, non-renewable and causing serious environmental problems. A useful solution is to transform endless solar energy into eco-friendly and reproducible chemical energy to release both energy and environmental pressures simultaneously, which can be achieved by photocatalytic water splitting technology. Metal organic frameworks (MOFs)-based composites have the advantages of large specific surface area (SSA), adjustable structure, rich active sites, and easy functionalization, which have broad application prospects in photocatalytic H₂ production. However, pristine MOFs suffer from limited H₂ production rate and unsatisfied durability owing to the serious charge recombination and poor stability. This review summarizes two strategies in promoting the photocatalytic H₂ production of MOFs-based composites: one is modifying the initial structure of MOFs and the other is combining MOFs with other suitable substances. We emphatically analyze the effectiveness of these MOF-based photocatalysts in producing hydrogen as well as any possible mechanisms. Finally, we give some suggestions for the future research on the highly activity and stable MOFs-based composites for photocatalytic H₂ evolution.