Analysis of metal–organic framework-based photosynthetic CO2 reduction

Solar-driven synthetic fuel production couples solar energy conversion and storage in the form of chemical bonds and therefore has potential as a clean technology. The past decade has witnessed the continuous development of metal–organic framework (MOF) materials with considerable interest towards combining light harvesting with catalytic CO2 conversion in one system. Built on a literature survey and data macroanalysis, this Perspective examines the development of this field by showcasing synthetic design approaches and highlighting attained milestones, while critically assessing pitfalls and opportunities. Five MOF-based material classifications for visible light-driven CO2 reduction are determined and discussed through key photocatalysis figures of merits and metrics. Analysis reveals MOFs as a favourable platform to achieve high product-selectivity CO2 photocatalysis. Non-standardized testing and reporting is found throughout this field and non-comparable product evolution rates, unverified carbon and electron source(s), and incomplete reporting checklists are identified as the main roadblocks towards accurate cross-laboratory benchmarking and breakthroughs. This Perspective additionally provides a balanced discussion and best practice recommendations to guide researchers investigating MOF-based materials for photocatalytic CO2 reduction.