ZIF-67-based hybrid frameworks as high-performance photocatalysts for simultaneous energy conversion and pollutant degradation

Abstract

Amid global escalating environmental challenges, including the dependence on fossil fuels and increasing water contamination, the development of innovative and sustainable technologies has become imperative. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), especially ZIF-67 and its derivatives, have emerged as highly versatile materials due to their distinctive structural characteristics, including large surface areas, open crystalline frameworks, and tuneable porosity. A wide variety of synthetic routes and advanced preparation method have been employed to fabricate ZIF-67, leading to a substantial and growing body of literature on its synthesis. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of ZIF-67 synthesis strategies, integrating recent advances and critically analysing the factors governing its morphological and structural features. It further highlights various process optimization approaches developed for the efficient synthesis of ZIF-67. This review offers a comprehensive assessment of ZIF-67-based photocatalysts, detailing their synthetic strategies, structural attributes, and applications in solar-driven hydrogen evolution, hydrogen peroxide formation, CO₂ reduction, and the degradation of dye and pharmaceutical pollutants. ZIF-67 composites show enormous promise for providing environmentally friendly energy solutions and sustainable global solutions, but more thorough research is necessary to fully realize their potential.