Research progress on defective regulation and photocatalytic performance optimization of MOFs

Abstract

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have significant applications in the field of photocatalysis due to their structural tunability and high specific surface area. Defect engineering is a crucial strategy for precisely regulating their photocatalytic performance. This review provides a systematic overview of the construction and mechanisms of action for missing-linker defects, missing-cluster defects, single-atom doping defects, structural defects, oxygen vacancy defects and systems with multiple coexisting defects. It elucidates the core principles by which various defects enhance photocatalytic performance, such as optimizing active site density, regulating band structure and promoting photogenerated charge transport. We also summarize recent progress in applying defective MOFs in typical reactions, including photocatalytic hydrogen production, reduction of CO₂ and degradation of pollutants. These findings provide theoretical support for the design and development of highly efficient defect-based MOF photocatalysts.