Making Photoresponsive Metal-Organic Frameworks an Effective Class of Heterogeneous Photocatalyst

A highly effective photocatalyst is the core component of photocatalytic energy conversion. Recently, photoresponsive metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) photocatalysts have exhibited convincing potential and become the hotspot research direction because of their dramatic advantages in enhancing light-harvesting capability, charge transfer efficiency, and catalytic performance of surface reactions in a photocatalytic system. In-depth interpretations of the photoresponsive MOFs-based photocatalysts have been constructed, and more insightful understandings of these materials can be obtained by advanced characterizations and accurate theoretical studies, which provide a solid platform to predict the mechanism and applications in photocatalysis. This review summarizes the recent advances in photoresponsive MOF-based photocatalysts for solar-to-chemical energy conversion. A general background of photoresponsive MOF photocatalysts is provided initially. A brief discussion of the possible roles of photoresponsive MOFs in photocatalysis is then provided. After that, the advanced characterization techniques for photoresponsive MOF photocatalysts are presented. After obtaining a fundamental understanding of photoresponsive MOF-based photocatalysts, their multifold applications are highlighted. Finally, the future challenges and perspectives of photoresponsive MOF photocatalysts are proposed. This review is expected to motivate the exploration of novel photoresponsive MOF-based photocatalysts and drive future development in this burgeoning field. © 2025 The Author(s).