Strategies to improve the photocatalytic performance of covalent triazine frameworks

Abstract

Covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) have emerged as a prominent group of organic semiconductors, distinguishing themselves from covalent organic frameworks (COFs) for their applications in photocatalysis. Their unique features, such as a fully conjugated structure, triazine unit, interlayer π–π interaction, large specific surface area, and exceptional thermal and chemical stability, make them promising candidates for artificial photosynthetic processes, including photocatalytic water splitting and CO₂ reduction reactions. However, challenges like high exciton binding energy and carrier recombination need to be addressed. In this review, we highlight the latest advances in utilizing CTFs for photocatalytic applications and delve into strategies aimed at modifying the band structure, enhancing photoexcited carrier separation, and improving carrier transfer processes in CTFs. These approaches involve molecular design, structural regulation, and the creation of heterostructures, all aimed at boosting the quantum efficiency of photocatalytic reactions. These efforts hold tremendous potential for advancing solar fuel production.