Constructing Cu ion sites in MOF/COF heterostructure for noble-metal-free photoredox catalysis

• Published in: Applied catalysis. B, Environmental Vol. 317; p. 121710
• Main Authors: Han, Wei, Shao, Lu-Hua, Sun, Xiao-Jun, Liu, Yu-Han, Zhang, Feng-Ming, Wang, Ya, Dong, Peng-Yu, Zhang, Gui-Ling
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15.11.2022
• Subjects: Active sites; Covalent organic frameworks; Heterostructure; Hydrogen production; Photocatalysis; Covalent organic frameworks; Heterostructure; Active sites; Photocatalysis; Hydrogen production
• ISSN: 0926-3373; 1873-3883
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apcatb.2022.121710

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are an emerging type of visible-light-driven photocatalysts, yet the introduction of Pt cocatalyst is inevitable to achieve an efficient activity in most COF-based photocatalysts. Herein, we report a multifunctional MOF/COF heterostructured photocatalyst, Cu-NH2-MIL-125/TpPa-2-COF, with Cu ions immobilized by -NH2 groups of MOF, where the covalently connected heterojunction facilitates the separation of photogenerated charges and the monodispersed transient Cu2+/Cu+ centers serve as effective active sits. The resultant Cu-NH2-MIL-125/TpPa-2-COF (4:6) exhibits a visible-light-driven photocatalytic H2 evolution rate of 9.21 mmol·g-1·h-1, which is 7.3 and 17.7 times higher than that without Cu coordination and the pristine TpPa-2-COF, respectively, and superior to various reported COF and MOF-based photocatalysts without Pt. Moreover, the photocatalyst can efficiently oxidate amines to imines with high conversion rate (91.2 %) and selectivity (>99 %). The crucial role of Cu centers as active sites and its stability in long-term reaction was determined. [Display omitted] •Monodispersed Cu active sites were built in MOF/COF via -NH2 coordination of MOF.•The transient Cu2+/Cu+ centers substantially enhanced the photocatalytic activity.•Covalent connection of MOF/COF facilitates the separation of photogenerated charges.•The H2 production activity is superior to reported COFs or MOFs systems without Pt.•Conversion selectivity of photocatalytic amines oxidation is up to 99 %.