Metal-Organic Frameworks with Immobilized Nanoparticles for Hydrogen Generation

Abstract

Continuous demand for a clean, reliable, and sustainable energy supply is a major topic and has gained enormous attention in recent years. In this context, hydrogen gas is widely regarded as a frontrunner to address the energy demand challenge. Electrocatalytic water splitting has received great attention in research as it produces hydrogen gas of high purity. However, the dependence of platinum-based electrocatalyst materials limits their practical usage. Thus, realization of electrolytic water splitting requires an earth-abundant and cost-effective material to substitute the expensive and scarce platinum-based electrocatalysts. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are sponge-like crystalline, high surface area, porous, and tunable materials with limited applications in electrochemical systems. This is due to their poor intrinsic conductivity despite their exceptional physical, surface, and chemical properties. In this chapter, development of highly MOF-based electrocatalysts are discussed. The effects of loading nanoparticles and the synergy they bring are highlighted.