Electrically conductive metal–organic framework-based electrocatalysts: from synthesis strategies to catalytic applications

Abstract

Over the past few decades, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have aroused significant interest as promising electrocatalysts for energy-related reactions. However, despite their potential, current research remains far from meeting commercial requirements due to inherent challenges, including limited electrical conductivity and low chemical stability. In this context, researchers are increasingly focusing on conductive metal–organic frameworks (c-MOFs) that exhibit a combination of efficient charge transport and high porosity, offering unprecedented properties for constructing highly active and stable electrocatalysts. Unfortunately, most c-MOF electrocatalysts struggle to achieve both industrial current density and long-term stability. This highlight article aims to review the recent progress in c-MOFs for various electrocatalysis applications. We briefly discuss the latest synthetic strategies for developing various c-MOFs, with dimensionality decreasing from three-dimensional (3D) frameworks to two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets. The focus then shifts to the efforts made thus far to clarify the relationship between chemical structures and charge transport mechanisms in c-MOFs. In addition, the utilization of several representative c-MOFs for electrocatalysis, focusing on the HER, OER, NRR, and CO₂RR, is showcased, providing a brief overview of the reaction mechanisms and ongoing catalytic performance bottlenecks. Finally, some existing obstacles and prospects for constructing c-MOF electrocatalysts with long-term stability are proposed.