Efficient Visible-Light-Driven Carbon Dioxide Reduction by a Single-Atom Implanted Metal–Organic Framework

Abstract

Modular optimization of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) was realized by incorporation of coordinatively unsaturated single atoms in a MOF matrix. The newly developed MOF can selectively capture and photoreduce CO2with high efficiency under visible-light irradiation. Mechanistic investigation reveals that the presence of single Co atoms in the MOF can greatly boost the electron–hole separation efficiency in porphyrin units. Directional migration of photogenerated excitons from porphyrin to catalytic Co centers was witnessed, thereby achieving supply of long-lived electrons for the reduction of CO2molecules adsorbed on Co centers. As a direct result, porphyrin MOF comprising atomically dispersed catalytic centers exhibits significantly enhanced photocatalytic conversion of CO2, which is equivalent to a 3.13-fold improvement in CO evolution rate (200.6 μmol g−1h−1) and a 5.93-fold enhancement in CH4generation rate (36.67 μmol g−1h−1) compared to the parent MOF.