MOFs and their Derived Structures for Multifunctional Electrocatalysis

Abstract

Multifunctional catalysis attracts great interest due to the opportunity to apply one compound in different types of reactions, and particularly its role in energy conversion reactions, such as hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The requirements of several catalysts are combined in one molecule, which allows utilizing these compounds at both cathode and anode sides for a variety of energy devices. However, seeking optimal catalysts with multifunctional applications and appropriate activity and durability is a difficult task. One of the promising candidates is metal-organic frameworks due to their unique structure and high-specific surface area. Utilization of MOFs and their derivatives as multifunctional catalysts for HER/OER, OER/ORR, HER/ORR/OER, and corresponding energy provision technologies, such as water splitting electrolyzers, metal-ion batteries, is the top area of modern research. Herein, the recent examples of MOF-based electrocatalysts for HER/OER/ORR activity in terms of their bifunctionality and trifunctionality and further application at both cathode and anode sides of water electrolyzer and metal-ion battery are summarized.