Rare earth element-modified metal-organic frameworks (Re-MOFs) have shown great potential in photocatalytic applications for environmental remediation. These materials combine the advantages of MOFs, such as high surface area, porosity, and tunable properties, with the unique properties of rare earth elements, including their ability to broaden the absorption spectrum and trap photoexcited carriers to inhibit electron-hole recombination. This enhances photocatalytic efficiency. Re-MOFs have been studied for their applications in removing antibiotics, CO₂ reduction, and hydrogen production. The synthesis of Re-MOFs involves modifying MOFs with rare earth elements, which can be done through various methods such as solvothermal synthesis, hydrothermal synthesis, and post-synthetic modification. The morphology, size, and structure of Re-MOFs can be tailored to optimize their photocatalytic performance. The use of rare earth elements as active sites in Re-MOFs has been shown to improve their catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability. However, challenges remain in the large-scale production and application of Re-MOFs. Despite these challenges, Re-MOFs offer a promising approach for the efficient utilization of rare earth resources in photocatalytic processes. The synthesis and applications of Re-MOFs are reviewed in this paper, highlighting their potential in environmental remediation and energy conversion. The study emphasizes the importance of further research to overcome the current limitations and fully exploit the potential of Re-MOFs in photocatalytic applications.Rare earth element-modified metal-organic frameworks (Re-MOFs) have shown great potential in photocatalytic applications for environmental remediation. These materials combine the advantages of MOFs, such as high surface area, porosity, and tunable properties, with the unique properties of rare earth elements, including their ability to broaden the absorption spectrum and trap photoexcited carriers to inhibit electron-hole recombination. This enhances photocatalytic efficiency. Re-MOFs have been studied for their applications in removing antibiotics, CO₂ reduction, and hydrogen production. The synthesis of Re-MOFs involves modifying MOFs with rare earth elements, which can be done through various methods such as solvothermal synthesis, hydrothermal synthesis, and post-synthetic modification. The morphology, size, and structure of Re-MOFs can be tailored to optimize their photocatalytic performance. The use of rare earth elements as active sites in Re-MOFs has been shown to improve their catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability. However, challenges remain in the large-scale production and application of Re-MOFs. Despite these challenges, Re-MOFs offer a promising approach for the efficient utilization of rare earth resources in photocatalytic processes. The synthesis and applications of Re-MOFs are reviewed in this paper, highlighting their potential in environmental remediation and energy conversion. The study emphasizes the importance of further research to overcome the current limitations and fully exploit the potential of Re-MOFs in photocatalytic applications.