Metal-organic frameworks toward electrocatalytic applications

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of porous materials constructed from metal-rich inorganic nodes and organic linkers. Because of their regular porosity in microporous or mesoporous scale and periodic intra-framework functionality, three-dimensional array of high-density and well-separated active sites can be built in various MOFs; such characteristics render MOFs attractive porous supports for a range of catalytic applications. Furthermore, the electrochemically addressable thin films of such MOF materials are reasonably considered as attractive candidates for electrocatalysis and relevant applications. Although it still constitutes an emerging subfield, the use of MOFs and relevant materials for electrocatalytic applications has attracted much attention in recent years. In this review, we aim to focus on the limitations and commonly seen issues for utilizing MOFs in electrocatalysis and the strategies to overcome these challenges. The research efforts on utilizing MOFs in a range of electrocatalytic applications are also highlighted.