Anisotropic phenanthroline-based ruthenium polymers grafted on a titanium metal-organic framework for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.

Conjugated polymers and titanium-based metal-organic framework (Ti-MOF) photocatalysts have demonstrated promising features for visible-light-driven hydrogen production. We report herein a strategy of anisotropic phenanthroline-based ruthenium polymers (PPDARs) over Ti-MOF, a tunable platform for efficient visible-light-driven photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Several analytical methods including X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) revealed the judicious integration of the surface-active polymer over the Ti-MOF reinforcing the catalytic activity over the broad chemical space. PPDAR-4 polyacrylate achitecture led to a substantial increase in the H evolution rate of 2438 µmolgh (AQY: 5.33%) compared to pristine Ti-MOF (238 µmol g h). The separation of photogenerated charge carriers at the PPDAR-4/Ti-MOF interface was confirmed by the optical and electrochemical investigations. The experimental, as well as theoretical data, revealed their physical and chemical properties which are positively correlated with the H generation rate. This offers a new avenue in creating polymer-based MOF robust photocatalysts for sustainable energy.