Confining a Keggin-Type Polyoxometalate in AIE-Active Co-MOF for Productive Photocatalytic Water Oxidation

The development of heterogeneous photocatalysts with high stability and activity for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a significant challenge in solar fuel production. This study presents the successful construction of a novel, high-performance POM@MOF composite photocatalyst, SYNU-6. The design principles of size matching and charge kinetic optimization were employed. The material utilizes tetrakis(4-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenyl)ethylene (TIPE), which exhibits aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties, as a ligand. It assembles with Co2+ nodes to form a three-dimensional porous framework. An in situ assembly strategy was used to precisely confine Keggin-type silicotungstic acid (SiW12O404-) within its one-dimensional square channels. When SYNU-6 was used as a catalyst, it yielded an O2 output of 8494.20 μmol/g and a turnover number (TON) of 74.20, demonstrating optimal catalytic efficiency. This approach regulates the spatial distribution of active components and promotes charge transfer, providing a reference for the rational design of high-performance POM@MOF photocatalytic water oxidation materials.