MOF-based atomically dispersed metal catalysts: Recent progress towards novel atomic configurations and electrocatalytic applications

With the goal for remarkably enhancing the catalytic activity and ultimately maximizing the atom efficiency, atomically dispersed metal catalysts (ADMCs) have grown rapidly in the field of catalysis, which not only develop a new way for traditional catalysis with sustainable development, but also provide the opportunity to explore the new reactions, mechanisms and products. Among all the preparing approaches, metal-organic framework (MOF) originated or related strategies have been recognized as one of the most promising methodologies for producing ADMCs with single-, dual-, triple- or quad-atom sites, because of the unique features of MOFs including well-defined and tailorable structures, large pore volumes and high surface areas. In this review, we outline the reported approaches for preparing MOF-based ADMCs with novel atomic configurations and discuss their advantages and limitations. Moreover, we stress the recent advances in the electrocatalysis by MOF-based ADMCs. Finally, this review presents some bottleneck problems and outlooks for the ulterior applications of MOF-based ADMCs in electrocatalysis for renewable energy-conversion and other reactions. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.