Photocatalytic reduction of low-concentration CO2 by metal-organic frameworks

Direct conversion of diluted CO2 to value-added chemical stocks and fuels with solar energy is an energy-saving approach to relieve global warming and realize a carbon-neutral cycle. The exploration of catalysts with both efficient CO2 adsorption and reduction ability is significant to achieving this goal. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are emerging in the field of low-concentration CO2 reduction due to their highly tunable structure, high porosity, abundant active sites and excellent CO2 adsorption capacity. This highlight outlines the advantages of MOFs for low-pressure CO2 adsorption and the strategies to improve the photocatalytic performance of MOF materials at low CO2 concentrations, including the functionalization of organic ligands, regulation of metal nodes and preparation of MOF composites or derivatives. This paper aims to provide possible avenues for the rational design and development of catalysts with the ability to reduce low-concentration CO2 efficiently for practical applications.