A novel BODIPY-based MOF photocatalyst for efficient visible-light-driven hydrogen evolution

Abstract

Considerable attention has been paid to promising applications of photoactive metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) in visible-light-enhanced hydrogen production. In this study, a pillared-paddlewheel type metal–organic framework [Zn₂(BODIPY)(BPDC)₂]·H₂O (denoted as CCNU-1) featuring BODIPY struts, and capable of efficiently absorbing visible light from 200 to 800 nm, has been fabricated, which is thought to be the first BODIPY-based MOF decorated with Pt nanoparticles as the co-catalyst for efficient photocatalytic H₂ generation under visible-light illumination. Impressively, Pt/CCNU-1 exhibited a remarkable H₂ production rate as high as 4680 μmol g⁻¹ h⁻¹ with the use of L-ascorbic acid as a sacrificial reagent from an aqueous medium, and a high apparent quantum efficiency of 9.06% at 420 nm. To our knowledge, Pt/CCNU-1 is the most visible-light photoactive Pt/MOF composite for H₂ generation from water hitherto, highlighting the promising future of MOF materials in solar-to-chemical energy conversion. This work provides significant insights into the development of MOF-based systems for visible-light-responsive photocatalysts for water reduction.