CHAPTER 12: Photocatalysis by MOFs

In this chapter it has been exemplified that MOFs can exhibit photoactivity derived from the interaction of the organic linker with the inorganic clusters. Comparison with analogous systems in solution shows that the crystal lattice of MOF, in which the linker and the organic cluster have intimate contact, originates a photochemical response that is not found for the homogeneous solution. Furthermore, MOFs can act as passive matrices to accommodate, in the internal voids, photoactive chromophores that can exhibit a distinctive response due to the properties of the surrounding media. All the discussed examples illustrate the possibility of obtaining interesting photoresponses that can open up applications beyond absorption and catalysis. Among these applications we have commented the use of MOFs as photocatalysts for environmental remediation and for the generation of solid fuels, particularly hydrogen, as well as applications in optoelectronics including solar cells and phosphors. All these applications derive from the consideration of MOFs as semiconductors.