Recent advances in manipulating strategies of NH₂-functionalized metallic organic frameworks-based heterojunction photocatalysts for the sustainable mitigation of various pollutants

NH₂-functionalized metal-organic frameworks (NH₂-functionalized MOFs) can abate organic pollutants, predominantly favored by their chemical, mechanical, and thermal stabilities. The present review stated the chemistry of identifying NH₂-functionalization and its role in enhancing the properties of bare MOFs. The integration of the amine group bestows several advantages: 1.) enabling band structure modification, 2.) establishing strong metal-NH₂ bonds, 3.) preserving MOF structures from reactive oxygen species, and 4.) shielding MOF structures against pH alterations. Consequently, the NH₂-functionalized MOFs are promising materials for the photodegradation of organic contaminants. The following section illustrates the two approaches (pre-synthetic and post-synthetic) for NH₂-functionalized MOFs. Nevertheless, specific intrinsic limitations, entailing a high recombination rate of charge carriers and inadequate optical adsorption, restrain the applicability of NH₂-functionalized MOFs. Accordingly, the succeeding segment presents strategies to elevate the photocatalytic activities of NH₂-functionalized MOFs via heterojunction fabrication. The importance of the NH₂-functionalized MOFs-based heterojunction has been evaluated in terms of the effect on the enhancement of charge separation, optical adsorption, and redox ability of charge carriers. Subsequently, the potential application for organic pollutant degradation via NH₂-functionalized MOFs-based heterojunctions has been scrutinized, wherein the organic pollutants. Eventually, the review concluded with challenges and potential opportunities in engaging and burgeoning domains of the NH₂-functionalized MOFs-based heterojunctions.