Light-driven hydrogen evolution catalyzed by a cobaloxime catalyst incorporated in a MIL-101(Cr) metal–organic framework

A cobaloxime H2 evolution catalyst with a hydroxo-functionalized pyridine ligand, Co(dmgH)2(4-HEP)Cl [dmgH = dimethylglyoxime, 4-HEP = 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)pyridine] was immobilized on a chromium terephthalate metal–organic framework (MOF), MIL-101(Cr), to construct a MOF-catalyst hybrid which displays good photocatalytic H2 evolution activity. The longevity of the cobaloxime catalyst is increased by MOF incorporation, but limited by the stability of the cobalt–pyridine bond under turnover conditions.