Decoupled Solar Energy Storage and Dark Photocatalysis in a 3D Metal–Organic Framework
Philip M. Stanley, Florian Sixt, Julien Warnan
Abstract
Abstract Materials enabling solar energy conversion and long‐term storage for readily available electrical and chemical energy are key for off‐grid energy distribution. Herein, the specific confinement of a rhenium coordination complex in a metal–organic framework (MOF) unlocks a unique electron accumulating property under visible‐light irradiation. About 15 C g MOF −1 of electric charges can be concentrated and stored for over four weeks without loss. Decoupled, on‐demand discharge for electrochemical reactions and H 2 evolution catalysis is shown and light‐driven recharging can be conducted for >10 cycles with ≈90% of the initial charging capacity retained. Experimental investigations and theoretical calculations link electron trapping to MOF‐induced geometry constraints as well as the coordination environment of the Re‐center, highlighting the key role of MOF confinement on molecular guests. This study serves as the seminal report on 3D porous colloids achieving photoaccumulation of long‐lived electrons, unlocking dark photocatalysis, and a path toward solar capacitor and solar battery systems.