English
Assembling different metal organic frameworks (MOFs) into hybrid MOF on MOF heterostructures has been proven to be a promising approach for developing synergistic properties for various applications. Here, we explore the performance of MOF on MOF heterostructures by epitaxially growing MIL-88B (Fe) onto UiO-66 (Zr) - NH2 nanoparticles. The surface selective design and appropriate band structure arrangement of the selected MOF components make them suitable as active heterogeneous photocatalysts for solar driven water splitting. The apparent quantum yield of the composite material for photocatalytic total water splitting at 400 and 450 nm is about 0.9%, which is much better than similar reports before. This high activity can be understood through spectroscopic and electrochemical characterization, as well as scanning transmission and transmission electron microscopy (STEM, TEM) measurements. This study demonstrates the possibility of developing MOF on MOF heterostructures that operate under a Z-shaped mechanism and exhibit excellent activity for photocatalytic water splitting under sunlight.
