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Single-Precursor to Dual-Function: A Transformable Metal-Organic Framework Nanoplatform for Photocatalytic H2
Yi Lu1, Yifan Wang1, Ke Ye1
1Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Aggregate Science, School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (Shenzhen), Shenzhen, Guangdong 518172, P. R. China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|July 3, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a novel metal-organic framework (MOF) nanoplatform for solar fuel production. It efficiently converts light into hydrogen and carbon monoxide using a single precursor with tunable nanostructures.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Catalysis
- Renewable Energy
Background:
- Developing advanced nanoplatforms is crucial for efficient solar fuel production.
- Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) offer tunable structures for catalytic applications.
- Controlled transformation of nanostructures can lead to multifunctional photocatalysts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design a "two-in-one" photocatalytic strategy using a transformable MOF nanoplatform.
- To enable two distinct solar fuel pathways (H2 evolution and CO2 reduction) from a single precursor.
- To demonstrate controlled structural evolution from atomic sites to nanoparticles for specialized functions.
Main Methods:
- Microwave-assisted atomic-level engineering to create Pt1/In2O3/UiO-66-NH2 with atomically dispersed Pt sites.
- Controlled pyrolysis of the MOF precursor to yield PtNP/In2O3/N-C with confined Pt nanoparticles in a carbon matrix.
- Characterization of nanostructures and evaluation of photocatalytic performance for H2 evolution and CO2-to-CO conversion.
Main Results:
- The Pt1/In2O3/UiO-66-NH2 composite achieved a high H2 evolution rate (2749.6 μmol g-1 h-1) due to optimized hydrogen adsorption.
- The PtNP/In2O3/N-C material exhibited efficient CO2-to-CO conversion with a CO production rate of 4758.1 μmol g-1 h-1.
- Demonstrated successful structural evolution from atomic Pt sites to Pt nanoparticles within the MOF-derived platform.
Conclusions:
- Controlled atomic-to-nanoscale structural evolution within a MOF platform enables functional specialization for solar fuel production.
- A single MOF precursor can be engineered into distinct photocatalysts for H2 evolution and CO2 reduction.
- This work provides a design principle for developing multifunctional photocatalytic systems for sustainable energy solutions.
