An in situ derived MOF@In2S3 heterojunction stabilizes Co(ii)-salicylaldimine for efficient photocatalytic formic acid dehydrogenation

• Published in: Chemical communications (Cambridge, England) Vol. 58; no. 51; pp. 7140 - 7143
• Main Authors: Zhang, Meijin, Lin, Wenting, Ma, Liang, Pi, Yunhong, Wang, Tiejun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge Royal Society of Chemistry 23.06.2022
• Subjects: Carrier mobility; Catalysts; Current carriers; Dehydrogenation; Formic acid; Heterojunctions; Hydrogen production; Metal-organic frameworks; Photocatalysis; Quantum efficiency; Selectivity; semiconductors
• DOI: 10.1039/d2cc01969h
• ISSN: 1359-7345; 1364-548X

We report here the hierarchical construction of a molecular Co(ii)-salicylaldimine catalyst and an in situ derived In2S3 semiconductor in a MOF@In2S3 heterojunction through sequentially controllable in situ etching and post-synthetic modification for photocatalytic hydrogen production from formic acid. The enhanced catalyst stability and facilitated charge carrier mobility between the In2S3 photosensitizers and Co catalyst realize a superior H2 production rate of 18 746 μmol g−1 h−1 (selectivity > 99.9%) with a turnover number (TON) of up to 6146 in 24 h (apparent quantum efficiency of 3.8% at 420 nm), indicating a 165-fold enhancement over that of the pristine MOF. This work highlights a powerful strategy for synergistic Earth-abundant metal-based MOF photocatalysis in promoting H2 production from FA.