Research progress in the preparation of electrospinning MOF nanofiber membranes and applications in the field of photocatalysis

Abstract

• Summary of fabrication strategies for electrospun MOF membranes. • The applications of electrospun MOF membranes in the field of photocatalysis are summarised. • The challenges of the large-scale production and industrial applications of MOF membranes are discussed. • Future development directions of MOF membranes in the field of photocatalysis are proposed. A class of porous materials, metal-organic framework materials (MOFs) are held together by strong chemical bonds between metal ions and organic linkers. Distinguished by their structural diversity, high surface area, tunable functionality, and numerous applications in the domain of photocatalysis, such materials have gained prominence. However, the nanoscale particle size of MOFs frequently leads to issues such as leakage, pipeline blockage, and recovery-related challenges, limiting their widespread industrial use and processing. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to examine MOF composite materials with enhanced separation capabilities. Recently, electrospinning has gained increasing popularity as a practical technique for integrating functional MOFs with electrospun fibers, circumventing issues related to leakage, challenging shaping processes, and sub-par compatibility. This review summarizes the common preparation methods of electrospun MOF nanofiber membranes in recent years—primarily including blending electrospinning, in situ growth, and atomic layer deposition—along with their applications in the field of photocatalysis. These applications are mainly focused on pollutant degradation, wearable devices, and energy conversion. Additionally, the performances of MOF nanofiber membranes and the challenges and environmental risks associated with their large-scale manufacturing and industrial applications are discussed in detail. Finally, the paper offers a forecast and outlook on the future development directions of MOF nanofiber membranes in the field of photocatalysis.