Multiple roles of 2D conductive metal-organic framework enable noble metal-free photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Developing advanced catalysts with high electron-hole separation efficiency and sufficient active centers for redox reaction is vital for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Herein, a synergetic system constructed by 2D conductive Ni 3 (HITP) 2 MOF and TiO 2 was elaborated to address this challenge for the first time. Photoelectrochemical experiments verify that Ni 3 (HITP) 2 can greatly facilitate the charge separation and charge transfer efficiency of the catalytic heterostructure of Ni 3 (HITP) 2 /TiO 2 . Meanwhile, photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction, UPS tests and EPR measurement indicate that Ni 3 (HITP) 2 can serve as co-catalyst which can provide reactive sites for hydrogen reduction. Benefiting from the multiple roles of Ni 3 (HITP) 2 , the photosensitive inorganic semiconductor and conductive MOF synergistically realize noble-metal free photocatalysis , rendering>7 times improved hydrogen evolution performance than pristine TiO 2 . This work gives insight into the mechanism of electroconductive MOF as cocatalyst for hydrogen evolution, which will further inspire the design of advanced electroconductive MOF applied for photocatalysis .