Advances in metal hydroxide–organic frameworks: multifunctional catalysts for energy and environmental applications

Abstract

Metal hydroxide–organic frameworks (MHOFs) have emerged as a versatile class of materials with significant potential in energy conversion, storage, and environmental remediation. Their unique structural properties, including tunable porosity, high surface area, and strong metal–ligand interactions, make them promising candidates for a wide range of electrochemical and catalytic applications. However, such a comprehensive review has not been reported to date. This review highlights recent advancements in MHOFs for key reactions such as the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), water oxidation, CO₂ reduction, and H₂O₂ production. Additionally, their role in osmotic energy harvesting, and nickel–zinc battery technology is explored, demonstrating their impact on sustainable energy solutions. The synergistic interplay between metal hydroxides and organic linkers offers new opportunities for designing next-generation multifunctional materials. This article provides a comprehensive overview of their synthesis, mechanisms, and future prospects in advancing clean energy and environmental sustainability.