DOI: https://doi.org/10.9767/bcrec.20556

3D/1D Amine Functionalized MIL-125/TiO2 NWs Metal-organic Framework Heterostructures for Solar Stimulated CO2 Reduction to Green Fuels

1Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 UTM Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia

2School of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia

3Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Department, UAE University, P.O. Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

Received: 11 Dec 2025; Revised: 29 Jan 2026; Accepted: 31 Jan 2026; Available online: 5 Feb 2026; Published: 30 Aug 2026.
Editor(s): Istadi Istadi
Open Access Copyright (c) 2026 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group
Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Fulltext View|Download

Citation Format:
Cover Image
Abstract

The urgent need to mitigate atmospheric CO2 and transition toward renewable energy has spurred growing interest in photocatalytic CO2 hydrogenation. In this work, we report on the fabrication of a novel 3D/1D NH2-MIL-125/TiO2 nanowire (NWs) heterostructure via a straightforward mechanical assembly method, combining the excellent visible light absorption of amino-functionalized metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with the robust charge transport properties of one-dimensional TiO2 NWs. Structural and optical characterisations have confirmed on intimate interfacial contact and synergistic electronic interactions between the MOF and TiO2, forming an S-scheme heterojunction which promotes an enhanced photogenerated carrier separation. Under visible light, the optimised 5 wt% NH2-MIL-125/TiO2 NWs composite achieved methane and CO yields of 13.98 μmol/g and 84.76 μmol/g, respectively. Notably, CH4 production soared to 660.47 μmol/g under solar-simulated irradiation, representing a 47-fold enhancement. This significant performance boost is attributed to improved light harvesting, facilitated electron migration, and strengthened interfacial dynamics. This study provides a scalable and efficient strategy for designing hybrid MOF-semiconductor photocatalysts, offering a promising pathway for sustainable solar fuel generation. Copyright © 2026 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

Keywords: CO2 reduction; Metal-organic frameworks; Heterojunctions; Renewable fuels; Photocatalysis
Funding: Fundamental Research Grant Scheme Malaysia under contract FRGS/1/2024/TK08/UTM/02/3; Malaysia Research University Network Grant under contract R.J130000.7351.4L952

Article Metrics:

Article Info
Section: 3rd International Symposium of Reaction Engineering, Catalysis and Sustainable Energy 2025 (RECASE 2025)
Language : EN
Recent articles
Enhancing Enzymatic Digestibility and Lignin Production of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB) by Green Deep Eutectic Solvent Efficient Adsorption of Tetracycline from Aqueous Solution onto Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles: Isotherm, Kinetic, Regeneration and Thermodynamic Studies Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance and Kinetic Improvement of Reusable W-based POM Composite for Produced Water Treatment Comparative Evaluation of Fe-MOF, Cu-MOF, and Bimetallic Fe/Cu-MOF for Enhanced CO₂ Adsorption: Synthesis, Characterization, and Performance Analysis 3D/1D Amine Functionalized MIL-125/TiO2 NWs Metal-organic Framework Heterostructures for Solar Stimulated CO2 Reduction to Green Fuels Comparative Assessment of Empirical Coke Deposition Models during n-Butanol Dehydration over a Zeolite-Y-Based Cracking Catalyst Backmatter (Right Transfer Agreement for Publishing Form) Frontmatter (Front Cover, Editorial Team, Indexing, and Table of Contents) More recent articles
  1. Absalan, Y., Gholizadeh, M., Kim, E.-B., Ameen, S., Wang, Y., Wang, Y.,He, H. (2024). Recent progress on organic metal compound/MOF hybrids: From controllable synthesis to potential catalytic applications. Coordination Chemistry Reviews, 515, 215972. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ccr.2024.215972
  2. Tai, J. Z., Alias, H., Shamjuddin, A., Yusof, M. S. M.,Fan, W. K. (2025). Fundamentals and advances in photothermal CO2 hydrogenation to renewable fuels over MOF-hybrid catalysts: A review. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 13(3), 116291. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2025.116291
  3. Zhou, J., Zhao, X., Huang, L., Zhang, Y., Zhou, X., Fan, Y., Mo, S., Sun, Y., Xie, Q.,Ye, D. (2025). A C-modified engineering strategy of porous In2O3 catalysts for point-concentrated solar-driven photothermal CO2 hydrogenation. Separation and Purification Technology, 355, 129672. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2024.129672
  4. Wang, Z., Wang, Y., Li, W., Liu, S., Zhang, L., Yang, J., Feng, C., Chong, R.,Zhou, Y. (2025). Integrating carbon quantum dots with oxygen vacancy modified nickel-based metal organic frameworks for photocatalytic CO2 reduction to CH4 with approximately 100 % selectivity. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 678, 689-702. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2024.08.214
  5. Saadh, M. J., Mustafa, M. A., Altalbawy, F. M. A., Ballal, S., Prasad, G. V. S., Al-saray, M. J., Abbas, J. K., Al-Maliky, M. A., Mohammed, S. k., Alam, M. M.,Elawady, A. (2025). Integration TiO2 nanosheets into defect engineered Zr-based MOF for highly selective and efficient photocatalytic conversion of CO2 to ethane. Journal of Molecular Structure, 1325, 140830. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molstruc.2024.140830
  6. Abazari, R., Sanati, S., Fan, W. K., Tahir, M., Nayak, S., Parida, K., El-Shahat, M., Abdelhameed, R. M., Nesterov, D. S., Kirillov, A. M.,Qian, J. (2025). Design and engineering of MOF/LDH hybrid nanocomposites and LDHs derived from MOF templates for electrochemical energy conversion/storage and environmental remediation: Mechanism and future perspectives. Coordination Chemistry Reviews, 523, 216256. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ccr.2024.216256
  7. Yan, R., Zhi, S., Hao, M., Liu, Y., Wang, H., Zhou, S., Jiang, K.,Wu, D. (2025). NH2-MIL-125(Ti)/TiO2 heterojunction with non-disturbed dual reactive centers for synchronous photocatalytic removal of Cr(VI) and organic dyes. Chemosphere, 370, 143935. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.143935
  8. Hossen, M. A., Ikreedeegh, R. R., Aziz, A. A., Zerga, A. Y.,Tahir, M. (2024). Carbon-based nanomaterials (CNMs) modified TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs) photo-driven catalysts for sustainable energy and environmental applications: A comprehensive review. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 12. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2024.114088
  9. He, Y., Zhan, Y., Cun, Y., Bai, X., Zi, Y., Xu, Z., Haider, A. A., Qiu, J., Song, Z., Zhou, D., Yang, Y., Li, Y., Huang, A.,Yang, Z. (2022). Designing and temperature sensing characteristics of upconversion luminescence core-shell structures with negative and positive thermal expansion. Ceramics International, 48(17), 24649-24655. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2022.05.110
  10. Fu, S., Huang, A., Zhao, H., Zi, Y., Bai, X., Gao, Z., Haider, A. A., Liu, Y., Cun, Y., Song, Z., Qiu, J., Tatiana, C.,Yang, Z. (2025). Kinetics-Tunable Photochromism and Dual-Mode Luminescence Modulation in BaTiO3-Based Phosphors for Dynamic Anti-Counterfeiting Application. Advanced Optical Materials, 13(8), 2402707. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/adom.202402707
  11. Haider, A. A., Cun, Y., Bai, X., Xu, Z., Zi, Y., Qiu, J., Song, Z., Huang, A.,Yang, Z. (2022). Anti-counterfeiting applications by photochromism induced modulation of reversible upconversion luminescence in TiO2:Yb3+,Er3+ ceramic. Journal of Materials Chemistry C, 10(16), 6243-6251. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TC00859A
  12. Abbas, T., Tahir, M.,Saidina Amin, N. A. (2018). Enhanced metal–support interaction in Ni/Co3O4/TiO2 nanorods toward stable and dynamic hydrogen production from phenol steam reforming. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 58(2), 517-530. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.iecr.8b03542
  13. Etacheri, V., Di Valentin, C., Schneider, J., Bahnemann, D.,Pillai, S. C. (2015). Visible-light activation of TiO2 photocatalysts: Advances in theory and experiments. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology C: Photochemistry Reviews, 25, 1-29. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochemrev.2015.08.003
  14. Jaksani, B., Chauhan, R., Kshirsagar, S. D., Rana, A., Pal, U.,Singh, A. K. (2024). A MOF-derived CuO/TiO2 photocatalyst for methanol production from CO2 reduction in an AI-assisted continuous flow reactor. Chemical Communications, 60(96), 14212-14215. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/d4cc05008h
  15. Fan, W. K., Tahir, M.,Alias, H. (2024). Visible light promoted low temperature photothermal CO2 methanation over morphologically engineered Ni/TiO2 NWs catalyst. Paper presented at the Materials Today: Proceedings. DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2023.05.665
  16. Fan, W. K., Tahir, M., Alias, H.,Mohamed, A. R. (2024). Well-Designed morphology regulated ZIF-67 derived 0D/1D Co3O4@TiO2 NWs integrated with in-situ grown Ni/Co-Active metals for Low-Temperature driven CO2 methanation. Fuel, 357, 130024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2023.130024
  17. Baamran, K. S., Tahir, M., Mohamed, M.,Khoja, A. H. (2020). Effect of support size for stimulating hydrogen production in phenol steam reforming using Ni-embedded TiO2 nanocatalyst. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 8(1), 103604. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2019.103604
  18. Fan, W. K.,Tahir, M. (2022). Investigating the product distribution behaviour of CO2 methanation through thermodynamic optimized experimental approach using micro/nano structured titania catalyst. Energy Conversion and Management, 254. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2022.115240
  19. Ikreedeegh, R. R.,Tahir, M. (2021). Indirect Z-scheme heterojunction of NH2-MIL-125(Ti) MOF/g-C3N4 nanocomposite with RGO solid electron mediator for efficient photocatalytic CO2 reduction to CO and CH4. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 9(4), 105600. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2021.105600
  20. Han, X., Yang, X., Liu, G., Li, Z.,Shao, L. (2019). Boosting visible light photocatalytic activity via impregnation-induced RhB-sensitized MIL-125 (Ti). Chemical Engineering Research and Design, 143, 90-99. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TC00859A
  21. Rahmani, A., Emrooz, H. B. M., Abedi, S.,Morsali, A. (2018). Synthesis and characterization of CdS/MIL-125 (Ti) as a photocatalyst for water splitting. Materials Science in Semiconductor Processing, 80, 44-51. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mssp.2018.02.013
  22. Kang, Y., Jiao, S., Wang, B., Lv, X., Wang, W., Yin, W., Zhang, Z., Zhang, Q., Tan, Y.,Pang, G. (2020). PVDF-modified TiO2 nanowires membrane with underliquid dual superlyophobic property for switchable separation of oil–water emulsions. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 12(36), 40925-40936. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.0c11266
  23. Tshabalala, Z. P., Mokoena, T. P., Jozela, M., Tshilongo, J., Hillie, T. K., Swart, H. C.,Motaung, D. E. (2020). TiO2 nanowires for humidity-stable gas sensors for toluene and xylene. ACS Applied Nano Materials, 4(1), 702-716. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsanm.0c02963
  24. You, S.-M., El Rouby, W. M. A., Assaud, L., Doong, R.-A.,Millet, P. (2021). Water Photo-Electrooxidation Using Mats of TiO2 Nanorods, Surface Sensitized by a Metal–Organic Framework of Nickel and 1,2-Benzene Dicarboxylic Acid. Hydrogen, 2(1), 58-75. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrogen2010004
  25. Fu, Y., Sun, D., Chen, Y., Huang, R., Ding, Z., Fu, X.,Li, Z. (2012). An amine-functionalized titanium metal-organic framework photocatalyst with visible-light-induced activity for CO2 reduction. Angewandte Chemie (International ed. in English), 51(14), 3364-3367. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.201108357
  26. Wang, Z., Wang, Z., Pang, Y., Wang, X.,Chen, Y. (2023). Effect of Metal Substitution on the Optical Band Gap of MIL‐125‐NH2. ChemistrySelect, 8(44), e202301509. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/slct.202301509
  27. Makuła, P., Pacia, M.,Macyk, W. (2018). How To Correctly Determine the Band Gap Energy of Modified Semiconductor Photocatalysts Based on UV–Vis Spectra. The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters, 9(23), 6814-6817. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpclett.8b02892
  28. Fan, W. K., Tahir, M.,Alias, H. (2023). Synergistic Effect of Nickel Nanoparticles Dispersed on MOF-Derived Defective Co3O4 In Situ Grown over TiO2 Nanowires toward UV and Visible Light Driven Photothermal CO2 Methanation. ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, 15(47), 54353-54372. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.3c10022
  29. Jiang, H., Yu, X., Li, J., Wang, L., Wang, W., Wu, C., Tang, L.,Liu, Q. (2023). Synergistic effect of Z-scheme junction and core–shell architecture over NH2-MIL-125@Ag@AgCl ternary heterojunction for cooperative CO and H2O2 production. Applied Surface Science, 639, 158281. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2023.158281

Last update:

No citation recorded.

Last update:

No citation recorded.