Development of Titanium (Ti) and Zirconium (Zr)-Based MOFs for Photocatalytic CO₂ Reduction

The rise in CO2 emissions in the atmosphere is a major cause of global warming, necessitating innovative and long-term efforts to reduce environmental damage. Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) have received a lot of attention in recent years due to their structural versatility, large surface area, and stability, making them potential candidates for various applications, including photocatalytic CO2 reduction. Titanium (Ti) and zirconium (Zr)-based MOFs are particularly notable for their good band alignment, temperature, chemical rigidity, and light absorption properties, which are all critical for efficient photocatalysis. This review discusses advances in Ti- and Zr-based MOFs for photocatalytic CO2 reduction, focusing on their potential to transform CO2 into significant chemicals and fuels such as methane, methanol, and formate under solar illumination. Key methods like linker alteration, defect engineering, and heterostructure synthesis have considerably improved these MOF’s photocatalytic efficacy. This review emphasizes potential paths for the development of Ti- and Zr-based MOFs in practical applications and emphasizes their promise as sustainable solutions to global CO2 emissions.