Self‐Driven Interfacial Assembly of MIL‐68 MOFs on Group‐III Nitride Nanorod Arrays for Constructing Efficient Photoanodes

Why It Matters

The approach delivers a scalable route to integrate MOFs with semiconductor nanostructures, unlocking higher photoelectrochemical efficiencies for solar fuel generation and water‑pollutant remediation.

Key Takeaways

• Self-driven MOF growth reduces interfacial resistance
• InN/MIL-68 delivers 13.19 mA cm⁻² photocurrent
• ABPE reaches 3.74%, 19× pristine InN
• GaN/MIL-68 degrades 94% RhB under visible light
• Direct Z‑scheme enables efficient charge separation

Pulse Analysis

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting and pollutant degradation have long been limited by sluggish charge transfer at semiconductor interfaces. Conventional deposition techniques often introduce insulating layers or lattice mismatches that raise resistance and suppress catalytic activity. Metal‑organic frameworks (MOFs), with their tunable porosity and redox‑active sites, promise to bridge this gap, yet integrating them onto crystalline nitrides without compromising structural integrity remains a challenge.

The study leverages surface‑metal clusters on InN and GaN nanorods to catalyze in‑situ solvothermal growth of MIL‑68 MOF shells. This self‑driven assembly yields atomically intimate contacts, slashing interfacial resistance and establishing a direct Z‑scheme that spatially separates oxidation and reduction sites. Performance metrics underscore the breakthrough: InN/MIL‑68 reaches 13.19 mA cm⁻² photocurrent at 1.23 V vs RHE and a 3.74% solar‑to‑chemical conversion efficiency, while GaN/MIL‑68 removes 94% of Rhodamine B under visible illumination without sacrificial reagents.

Beyond the laboratory, the methodology offers a generalizable platform for coupling diverse MOFs with group‑III nitride semiconductors, paving the way for high‑efficiency solar‑fuel devices and advanced environmental cleanup systems. By demonstrating stable, reproducible operation and a clear mechanistic pathway, the work positions surface‑cluster‑assisted MOF assembly as a pivotal tool in the transition toward sustainable, scalable PEC technologies.