Rare earth element-modified MOF materials: synthesis and photocatalytic applications in environmental remediation

Metal–organic framework-like materials (MOFs) have been developed in the fields of photocatalysis for their excellent optical properties and physicochemical properties, including environmental remediation, CO₂ photoreduction, water splitting, and so on. With their important roles in various fields, rare earth elements have received growing interests from scientists. Modifying MOFs with rare earth elements for modification allows broadening the absorption spectrum, while the active electrons on their empty 4f orbitals can act as traps to capture photoexcited carriers to inhibit the recombination of electron–hole pairs, thus promoting photocatalytic activity. Therefore, rare earth elements modified MOFs provide an attractive way to achieve their high value utilization. In this mini-review, the synthesis of rare earth element-modified MOFs photocatalysts and corresponding applications in the removal of antibiotics, CO₂ reduction, and hydrogen production are constructively summarized and discussed. Finally, the latest advancements and current difficulties of these materials as well as the application prospects are also provided.