Optimizing Pt Electronic States through Formation of a Schottky Junction on Non‐reducible Metal–Organic Frameworks for Enhanced Photocatalysis

Abstract

Abstract Charge transfer between metal sites and supports is crucial for catalysis. Redox‐inert supports are usually unfavorable due to their less electronic interaction with metal sites, which, we demonstrate, is not always correct. Herein, three metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are chosen to mimic inert or active supports for Pt nanoparticles (NPs) and the photocatalysis is studied. Results demonstrate the formation of a Schottky junction between Pt and the MOFs, leading to the electron‐donation effect of the MOFs. Under light irradiation, both the MOF electron‐donation effect and Pt interband excitation dominate the Pt electron density. Compared with the “active” UiO‐66 and MIL‐125 supports, Pt NPs on the “inert” ZIF‐8 exhibit higher electron density due to the higher Schottky barrier, resulting in superior photocatalytic activity. This work optimizes metal catalysts with non‐reducible supports, and promotes the understanding of the relationship between the metal–support interaction and photocatalysis.