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. (Figure presented.).