Construction of core−shell MOF@hydroxide hybrids with strong hetero-interface interaction for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Metal−organic framework (MOF)-based photocatalysts enabling the separation of photogenerated electron−holes pairs for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen production have been the focus of considerable attention lately as a solution to reduce energy related problems. In this study, the Ni2+ etching of a typical Ti-based MOF(NH2-MIL-125) to synthesize a defective NH2-MIL-125@Ni (OH)2 photocatalyst is reported. Ni2+ was selected to hydrolyze and etch the NH2-MIL-125 to obtain defective NH2-MIL-125@Ni (OH)2 was a strong hetero-interface interaction heterojunction, while maintaining the NH2-MIL-125 structure. The construction of defects increased the number of active sites, and the Ni (OH)2 cocatalyst further enhanced the photogenerated electron-holes separation efficiency. Under visible light for a duration of 4 h, H2 production reached a rate of 502.32 μmol g−1.