Photoswitchable Transformation between Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Catalysis Enabled by Azobenzene-Functionalized Metal–Organic Polyhedra

The persistent challenge in catalysis lies in reconciling the high activity of homogeneous systems and the easy separation of heterogeneous catalysts. Inspired by biological photoadaptation, we report azobenzene-functionalized metal–organic polyhedra (MOPs) that achieve a photoswitchable transformation between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis via light-triggered trans–cis isomerization. The photoswitchable catalysts were fabricated by grafting azobenzene moieties on Rh2 paddlewheel axial sites in RhMOP. Visible light stabilizes the trans isomer, yielding homogeneous catalysis through optimized solvation and weakened intermolecular forces, while UV-induced cis isomerization triggers a catalyst…

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Award: U24A20534
• NS
  Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province

  Award: BK20253005
• XJ
  Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University

  Awards: FOSA2306005, PGRS2112001
• SK
  State Key Laboratory of Materials- Oriented Chemical Engineering

  Award: SKL-MCE-24A01
• NS
  National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars

  Award: 22125804