Advances in metal–organic frameworks and their derivatives for diverse electrocatalytic applications

Oxygen evolution reaction (OER), hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR), and carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) are five major reactions in the progress, conversion, and storage of clean energy. Efficient electrocatalysts can be used to decrease the overpotential of these reactions and elevate practical applications of energy-related systems. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), via the modification of electrodes, provide new opportunities to develop green and sustainable energy systems and conduct fundamental research on electrocatalytic applications. Benefitting from the versatility of engineering and construction strategies, compositional/structural modification, high electrical conductivity, various high-density active sites, and the capability as precursors, MOFs and the derived materials are considered as efficient electrocatalysts. Based on those merits, the electrochemical application of MOFs and their derived materials for the five mentioned reactions are briefly discussed in this mini review. Furthermore, the challenges and perspectives for engineering MOF-based electrocatalysts are also provided.