A review on graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) – metal organic framework (MOF) heterostructured photocatalyst materials for photo(electro)chemical hydrogen evolution

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4)-based heterostructured photocatalysts have recently attracted significant attention for solar water splitting and photocatalytic hydrogen (H2) evolution, because of their alterable physicochemical, optical and electrical properties, such as tunable band structure, ultrahigh specific surface area and controllable pore size, defect formation and active sites. On the other hand, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) possess a favorable surface area, permanent porosity and adjustable structures that allow them to be suitable candidates for diverse applications. In this review, we therefore comprehensively discuss the structural properties of heterogeneous g-C3N4/MOF-based photocatalysts with a special emphasis on their photocatalytic performance regarding the mechanism of heterogeneous photocatalysis, including advantages, challenges and design considerations.