Metal sulfide/MOF-based composites as visible-light-driven photocatalysts for enhanced hydrogen production from water splitting

Abstract

Solar energy driven photocatalytic hydrogen (H2) production from photocatalytic water splitting is considered as one of the most promising technologies to solve the energy and environmental crises. In the recent years, metal sulfide/MOF-based composites have attracted increasing attention in visible-light-driven photocatalytic H2 production owing to their multiple advantages, such as high photochemical stability, broad light absorption and effective charge separation efficiency. Even though this field is currently in its infancy, the promising results obtained suggest that these composite photocatalysts have high potential for practical applications. In this review, we provide an overview of the progress in the design and synthesis of various metal sulfide/MOF-based nanocomposites for applications in photocatalytic H2 production. Special consideration has been given to the synergistic effects between metal sulfide and MOF (or MOF derivative) that result in an enhanced photocatalysis. We also present some important examples showing that non-noble metal cocatalysts could serve as efficient cocatalysts for promoting photocatalytic H2 production. Finally, the remaining issues in this field are discussed and future directions and challenges are outlined.