BODIPY functional metal–organic-frameworks for efficient visible-light-driven water oxidation without additional photosensitizers

Abstract

A novel photosensitizer–catalyst assembly (BODIPY-MIL-88B (Fe)) has been successfully fabricated via a one-step solvothermal method and successfully employed as a light-driven water oxidation catalyst. Compared with conventional multicomponent systems, BODIPY-MIL-88B (Fe) exhibits excellent photocatalytic water oxidation activity without additional photosensitizers due to the rapid intermolecular charge transfer in the assembly. BODIPY (Boron Dipyrromethene) in the assembly can increase light absorption and effectively decrease the band gaps and electron–hole recombination rate, which are beneficial for the photocatalytic activity of BODIPY-MIL-88B (Fe). Interestingly, BODIPY not only acts as a photosensitizer group, but also as a structure-directing agent in controlling the morphology of BODIPY-MIL-88B (Fe). Moreover, the possible water oxidation mechanism is proposed through trapping experiments of active species. This work provides a prospective strategy for the development of some new potential applications of MOFs by introducing functional groups into the frameworks.