Iron-based metal–organic frameworks and their derived materials for photocatalytic and photoelectrocatalytic reactions

Photocatalysis, or photo-electrocatalysis technology, is a clean and renewable energy conversion method that harnesses solar energy to generate chemical energy, offering an effective solution to address our urgent energy crisis and environmental challenges. Therefore, the development of efficient and stable photocatalysts is of paramount importance. In comparison with inorganic semiconductors, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), as a porous material composed of metal nodes and organic connectors, has the characteristics of large specific surface area, excellent adjustability, good flexibility and complex topological structure. Among these MOFs, Fe-containing MOFs (Fe-MOFs) exhibit advantages including low cost, low toxicity, mild reaction conditions, diverse structure, wide availability in nature, easy synthesis and stable performance, which make them highly promising material for photocatalysis applications. Therefore, this contribution presents a comprehensive review on the photocatalytic and photo-electrocatalytic applications of Fe-MOFs encompassing mono/multi-metallic MOFs as well as their derivatives. Additionally, the challenges associated with such applications are also discussed. The primary objective behind this discussion is to provide an in-depth understanding of Fe-MOFs while facilitating the development of practical applications.