Construction of a hierarchical tubular metal–organic framework composed of nanosheet arrays as a photothermal catalyst through phase transformation

Abstract

A pure metal–organic framework (MOF) with good photothermal performance can serve as a photothermal agent and thus broaden the potential application of solar energy. Herein, MOF-74-HT, a hierarchical tubular MOF-74 (Cu) assembled from nanosheet arrays, is formed by phase transformation through dissolution and recrystallization under the stimulation of MeOH, surfactant sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate, and H₂O. MOF-74-HT achieves efficient photothermal catalytic activity for the cycloaddition reaction of carbon dioxide driven by sunlight at room temperature. MOF-74-HT takes advantage of the enhanced photothermal effect and catalytic activity caused by the abundant optical traps on its outer surface, nanosized building blocks, numerous exposed active sites, and large accessible contact surface areas. The construction of superstructures may open new opportunities to fabricate novel multifunctional pure MOFs to expand their diversity and range of potential applications.