Recent advances in metal–organic and covalent organic frameworks for solar energy conversion and their photovoltaic efficiency

Abstract

The increasing requirement for sustainable energy solutions has demanded research on novel materials for solar energy conversion. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising materials in this regard. MOFs exhibit photovoltaic performance, with high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs), due to their tunable porosity, large surface area and capability to integrate photoactive metals. Conversely, emerging COFs exhibit excellent charge separation and light absorption characteristics, thus achieving an increase in photocatalytic CO₂ reduction compared with conventional reported catalysts. The current review demonstrates the synthesis, performance and structural design of MOFs and COFs, along with their improved solar energy conversion efficiency. Recently, hybrid or mixed-metal MOFs have been utilized to enhance light absorption capacity and mobility of charges by about 25% more than those of conventional materials. Moreover, recently published studies have revealed that COFs show greater potential in CO₂ reduction and induce about 72% faradaic efficiency for the conversion of CO₂ into CO. Interestingly, this review provides meaningful insights into sustainable and efficient energy solutions for CO₂ reduction and solar energy conversion.