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Updated: Jan 9, 2026
Preparation of Polyoxometalate-based Photo-responsive Membranes for the Photo-activation of Manganese Oxide Catalysts
Published on: August 7, 2018
Precise size-matching between guest polyoxometalates and host metal-organic frameworks enables enhanced
Waqas Ali Shah1, Xusheng Dai1, Xiaowei Zhai1
1School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Key Laboratory of Boron Chemistry and Advanced Materials, Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Centre of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, China.
Abstract:
The development of robust and efficient heterogeneous photocatalysts for water oxidation is a significant challenge in solar fuel production. Polyoxometalate-metal-organic framework composites (POM@MOFs) represent a promising platform, yet achieving optimal electronic interaction remains a key goal. We demonstrate that electronic communication between polyoxometalates (POMs) and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) enhances charge transfer kinetics while suppressing electron-hole recombination, with maximum efficiency achieved through precise size-matching between MOF cavities and encapsulated POMs. This principle is illustrated by Co4@UiO-67 (C1), where encapsulation of Na₁₀[(PW₉O₃₄)₂Co₄(H₂O)₂] in UiO-67's cavities creates a leaching-proof composite. This confinement prevents aggregation, yielding excellent photocatalytic water oxidation performance (283 TONs)-surpassing prior Co4@MOF systems. Mechanistic insights from photoluminescence reveal efficient charge separation, while post-catalytic analysis confirms structural integrity and reusability. Overall, this work introduces a new paradigm in the design of POM@MOF composites, positioning C1 as a robust, recyclable, and highly active photocatalyst for heterogeneous water oxidation.
