Next-Generation Wastewater Treatment with Emerging 2D MOF-Derived Photocatalysts

Abstract

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as a significant class of heterogeneous photocatalytic materials owing to their structural tunability and high porosity. Among them, two-dimensional MOFs (2D MOFs) have gained increasing attention for various photocatalytic applications due to their ultrathin layered structures, large surface areas, abundant exposed active sites, and enhanced charge migration characteristics. Compared to their 3D counterparts, 2D MOF-derived nanocomposites often exhibit improved photocatalytic efficiency. Recent studies have emphasized the rational design of 2D MOFs through precise control of metal nodes, organic linkers, and structural morphology to tailor their photocatalytic properties for specific targets. This review provides a concise overview of fabrication and postsynthetic modification strategies to enhance the photocatalytic performance of 2D MOF-derived nanocomposites. Practical applications, including environmental remediation, are discussed to demonstrate their real-world potential. Furthermore, the review highlights the intrinsic relationship between 2D MOF structure and photocatalytic behavior, along with current challenges such as structural instability, scalability, and limited visible-light absorption. Finally, key perspectives and future directions are proposed to guide the development of robust, efficient, and sustainable 2D MOF-based photocatalytic materials.