DESIGNING MOFS-BASED CATALYSTS FOR EFFICIENT CO2 CONVERSATION

Abstract

The development of efficient catalysts for CO₂ conversion is essential for mitigating climate change and enabling a circular carbon economy. In this study, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs)‑based catalysts are rationally designed and evaluated for efficient CO₂ conversion through electrocatalytic, photocatalytic, and thermocatalytic pathways. MOFs with high surface areas, open metal sites, and functionalized linkers are synthesized and characterized using X‑ray diffraction, nitrogen physisorption, and electron microscopy, confirming their crystalline nature, porosity, and structural integrity. CO₂ adsorption isotherms reveal strong host–guest interactions, with high uptake capacities and favorable binding energies that facilitate CO₂ activation. Electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction tests show enhanced activity and selectivity toward CO and formate, with Faradaic efficiencies exceeding 70–85% on optimized MOF‑based electrodes, while Cu‑rich MOFs and MOF‑derived catalysts promote C–C coupling to C₂+ products such as ethylene and ethanol. Photocatalytic and thermocatalytic experiments further demonstrate that MOF–semiconductor composites and amino‑functionalized MOFs can achieve high CO₂ conversion and product selectivity under mild conditions. The results establish clear structure activity relationships highlighting the role of tailored metal nodes, functional linkers, and embedded single‑ or dual‑atom sites in enhancing CO₂ conversion performance. These findings provide a framework for designing MOFs‑based catalysts that combine high efficiency, selectivity, and stability for practical CO₂ utilization technologies.