Urea photosynthesis over a MOF-on-MOF S-scheme heterojunction.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 41651849.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/s41467-026-69281-8 and PMC identifier 12988024.
- Licence recorded as CC BY-NC-ND.
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Abstract
Photocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction coupled carbon dioxide reduction reaction holds great promise for sustainable urea synthesis, the design of photocatalysts with efficient C-N coupling and charge separation is crucial yet challenging. Herein, we report the synthesis of a novel MOF-on-MOF S-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst with interfacial dual active sites for efficient urea production via nitrate reduction reaction coupled carbon dioxide reduction reaction. The integration of semiconducting Zr-MOF and Co-MOF produces interfacial Co and Zr dual sites for NO<sub>3</sub><sup>-</sup> activation and CO<sub>2</sub> adsorption, synergistically promoting C-N coupling with reduced energy barriers. Besides, the S-scheme heterojunction enables the strong redox capability and facilitates the charge transfer. Consequently, the rationally designed MOF-on-MOF heterojunction achieves a high urea yield of 3523.4 μg g⁻¹ h⁻¹ and an apparent quantum yield of 1.16% at 365 nm in the absence of sacrificial agents. This work paves the way for the development of high-performance photocatalysts for urea production.