Integration of an inorganic semiconductor with a metal-organic framework: a platform for enhanced gaseous photocatalytic reactions

Abstract

Ultrafast spectroscopy demonstrates that charge transfer can occur between photoexcited inorganic semiconductors and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), supplying long-lifetime electrons for the reduction of gas molecules adsorbed on the MOF. As a proof of concept, a unique method is developed for synthesizing Cu3 (BTC)2 @TiO2 core-shell structures with macroporous semiconductor shells that allow gas molecules to be captured in the cores.

Keywords: charge transfer; inorganic semiconductors; metal-organic frameworks; photocatalysis; ultrafast spectroscopy.