Single-Precursor to Dual-Function: A Transformable Metal–Organic Framework Nanoplatform for Photocatalytic H ₂ Evolution and CO ₂ Reduction

Precisely engineered nanoplatforms capable of controlled structural evolution from atomically dispersed sites to confined nanoparticles provide opportunities for multifunctional solar fuel production. Herein, we report a “two-in-one” photocatalytic strategy based on a transformable metal–organic framework (MOF) nanoplatform that enables two distinct solar fuel pathways from a single precursor. Microwave-assisted atomic-level engineering affords Pt 1 /In 2 O 3 /UiO-66-NH 2, a nanostructured composite featuring atomically dispersed Pt sites anchored within an In 2 O 3 -modified MOF architecture. This atomic-scale configuration delivers efficient visible-light-driven H 2 evolution with a rate of 2749.6 μmol g –1 h –1, aided by favorable hydrogen adsorption energy (Δ G H* = −0.39 eV). Controlled pyrolysis transforms the same precursor into Pt NP /In 2 O 3 /N–C, in which confined Pt nanoparticles (2.3 ± 0.4 nm) are embedded in a conductive N-doped carbon matrix, enabling efficient photocatalytic CO 2 -to-CO conversion with a CO production rate of 4758.1 μmol g –1 h –1 . This work demonstrates how controlled atomic-to-nanoscale structural evolution within a unified MOF-derived platform can direct functional specialization, providing a design principle for multifunctional photocatalytic systems.