Current progress in metal-organic frameworks and their derivatives for electrocatalytic water splitting

The shortage of conventional energy is a major challenge today. Electrocatalytic water splitting producing hydrogen has been widely recognized as the sustainable mode to address the energy crisis. However, its catalysts suffer from inefficiency. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of novel porous materials with tunable porosity and adjustable structure, which serve as valuable catalysts for electrocatalytic water splitting. Herein, the latest research progress of MOF-based materials towards efficient electrolysis of water is presented, including the design and preparation strategies of catalysts as well as the challenges faced. Firstly, the mechanism of water splitting is succinctly explicated. Subsequently, the synthesis principle and electrochemical property enhancement strategy of MOFs and their derivatives are emphatically summarized. Finally, the current major challenges of MOF-based materials are discussed, along with perspectives for future investigation directions. For electrocatalytic water splitting, MOFs can be optimized through structural modification, plane design and synergetic composite systems, and the annealing process further expands the types of MOF-based electrocatalytic materials.

Automated summary

This paper presents the application of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in electrocatalytic water splitting. MOFs, as a novel porous material, serve as valuable catalysts for efficient water electrolysis. The paper explains the mechanism of water splitting and summarizes the synthesis and performance enhancement strategies for MOFs and their derivatives. The current challenges and future research directions are also discussed.