Multifunctional Metal–Organic Framework Materials as Catalysts

A special issue of Catalysts (ISSN 2073-4344). This special issue belongs to the section "Catalytic Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2026 | Viewed by 4230

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo 454003, China
Interests: electrocatalysis; fuel cells; oxygen reduction reactions; carbon based nanomaterials
School of Science, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
Interests: bimetallic; mixed-ligand; metal organic frameworks; chemiluminescence; rare earth luminescent nanomaterials; catalytic materials
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

A metal–organic framework (MOF) is a kind of organic–inorganic porous material composed of organic ligands and metal centers with crystalline morphology. MOF-derived carbon-based materials can selectively confine metals of different sizes by adjusting their synthesis strategy. Therefore, MOFs and MOF-derived carbon-based materials have been widely applied in various catalytic reactions via optimizing synthesis strategies.

Given the continuous advancements in this area and, as a consequence, the new challenges that are being faced, a focus on this matter is necessary. The main aim of this Special Issue is to highlight novel developed MOF's and MOF-derived carbon-based materials strategies that are designed to promote catalysis and related areas. Therefore, original research papers and reviews providing new insights into this area are welcome.

Dr. Dongping Xue
Dr. Jing Wu
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • metal–organic frameworks (MOFs)
  • MOF-derived carbon-based materials
  • catalysis
  • electrocatalysis
  • photocatalysis
  • heterogeneous catalysis
  • energy storage and conversion

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 2369 KB  
Article
Deciphering the Promoter Aspects of Potassium for Green Methanol Fuel Synthesis by Catalytic CO2 Conversion
by Israf Ud Din, Abdulrahman I. Alharthi, Mshari A. Alotaibi, Md Afroz Bakht, Gabriele Centi, Tooba Saeed, Abdul Naeem and Ho Soon Min
Catalysts 2026, 16(1), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal16010075 - 8 Jan 2026
Viewed by 216
Abstract
Continuous excessive CO2 emissions have a negative impact on the environment. In order to address the issue of CO2 emission control, its conversion to some valuable commodities is the way forward in dealing with this issue. Additionally, the conversion of CO [...] Read more.
Continuous excessive CO2 emissions have a negative impact on the environment. In order to address the issue of CO2 emission control, its conversion to some valuable commodities is the way forward in dealing with this issue. Additionally, the conversion of CO2 to some valuable product such as methanol fuel will not only tackle the issue but also result in producing energy. Here, the co-precipitation method was used to synthesize Cu-ZnO bimetallic catalysts based on TiO2 support to be applied for CO2 conversion to methanol fuel. To elucidate the role of potassium (K) as a promoter, varied concentrations of K were added to parent Cu-ZnO/TiO2 catalysts. A number of analytical techniques were used to scrutinize the physico-chemical properties of calcined Cu-ZnO/TiO2 catalysts. The crystalline nature of TiO2 catalyst support with high metal oxide dispersion were the major findings disclosed based on X-ray diffraction examinations. The combination of the mesoporous and microporous character of the K-promoted Cu-ZnO/TiO2 catalysts was discovered using the N2 adsorption–desorption technique. Similarly, N2 adsorption–desorption studies also revealed surface defects by K-promotion. The creation of surface defects was also endorsed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) by showing additional XPS peaks for O1s in higher binding energy (BE) regions. XPS also showed the oxidation states of K-promoted Cu-ZnO/TiO2 catalysts as well as metal–support interactions. Activity results demonstrated the active profile of K-promoted Cu-ZnO/TiO2 catalysts for methanol synthesis via CO2 reduction in a liquid phase slurry reactor. The methanol synthesis rate was accelerated from 35 to 53 g.MeOH/kg.cat.h by incorporating of K to parent Cu-ZnO/TiO2 catalysts at reaction temperature and pressure of 210 °C and 30 bar, respectively. Structure–activity investigations revealed a promoting role of K by facilitating Cu reduction as well metal–support interaction. The comparative study further revealed the importance of K promotion for the title reaction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Metal–Organic Framework Materials as Catalysts)
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14 pages, 6253 KB  
Article
Thiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole-Based Covalent Organic Frameworks for the Rapid Removal of RhB
by Jinyue Yin, Yuting Ren, Xuejiao Sun, Yu Gao, Zhongzhen Tian and Dongmei Li
Catalysts 2025, 15(1), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15010042 - 5 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2162
Abstract
Two thiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole(TzTz)-based donor(D)-acceptor(A) COFs (TPTZ-COF and TBTZ-COF) are synthesized for the photocatalytic degradation of RhB in water. The D-A structure COFs with the weak deficient electron TzTz as an acceptor promotes the separation of photo-generated charge carriers. The rigid structure of [...] Read more.
Two thiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole(TzTz)-based donor(D)-acceptor(A) COFs (TPTZ-COF and TBTZ-COF) are synthesized for the photocatalytic degradation of RhB in water. The D-A structure COFs with the weak deficient electron TzTz as an acceptor promotes the separation of photo-generated charge carriers. The rigid structure of TzTz can enhance the π–π and dipole–dipole interactions, which improve the mobility of charge carriers and result in the enhancement of the photocatalytic performance of COFs. Optical and electrical tests show that TBTZ-COF has more efficient electron–hole separation and transfer performance and degrades 99.76% of RhB (10 mg/L) in 60 min under visible light irradiation, while the hydroxyl groups on the TPTZ-COF surface enable the formation of a large number of hydrogen bonds with RhB, so TPTZ-COF exhibits excellent adsorption ability for RhB. Furthermore, TBTZ-COF maintains high photocatalytic activity after five consecutive cycles, making it a promising photocatalyst for the rapid removal of RhB. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Metal–Organic Framework Materials as Catalysts)
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Review

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19 pages, 3970 KB  
Review
Recent Progress in Preparations and Multifunctional Applications Towards MOF/GDY Composites and Their Derivative Materials
by Jia Peng, Zhiwei Tian, Tonghe Zhao, Hong Shang and Jing Wu
Catalysts 2025, 15(11), 1041; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15111041 - 2 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1477
Abstract
Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are novel porous crystalline materials formed through the self-assembly of metal ions and organic ligands. They have various advantages, including tunable chemical and electronic structures, high porosity, and large specific surface areas. Owing to their unique structural and physicochemical properties, [...] Read more.
Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are novel porous crystalline materials formed through the self-assembly of metal ions and organic ligands. They have various advantages, including tunable chemical and electronic structures, high porosity, and large specific surface areas. Owing to their unique structural and physicochemical properties, MOFs have been widely applied in the fields of catalysis, supercapacitors, sensors, and drug recognition/delivery. However, the intrinsic poor stability and low electrical conductivity of conventional MOFs severely hinder their practical implementation. Graphdiyne (GDY), a unique carbon allotrope, features a new structure composed of both sp2- and sp-hybridized carbon atoms. Its distinct chemical and electronic configuration endow it with exceptional properties such as natural bandgap, uniform in-plane cavities, and excellent electronic conductivity. Integrating MOFs with GDY can effectively overcome the intrinsic limitations of MOFs and expand their potential applications. As emerging hybrid materials, MOF/GDY composites and their derivatives have attracted increasing attention in recent years. This article reviews recent advances in the synthesis strategies of MOF/GDY composites and their derivatives, along with their performance and applications in catalysis, energy storage, and biological sensors. It also discusses the future opportunities and challenges faced in the development of these promising composite materials, aiming to inspire interest and provide scientific guidance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Metal–Organic Framework Materials as Catalysts)
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