A metal-organic framework stabilizes an occluded photocatalyst.

Occlusion and confinement of a [Ru(bpy)3 ]Cl2 photocatalyst in the cavities of a γ-cyclodextrin (CD) metal-organic framework (MOF) does not affect the catalyst's activity but prevents its photodegradation. Additionally, the OH(-) ions and/or ROH groups present inside the CD-MOF act as electron donors and complete the catalytic cycle. The occlusion approach is a technically straightforward alternative to the covalent modification of MOF scaffolds with catalytic units.