Metal-organic frameworks for advancing photocatalytic and electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Abstract

This review offers comprehensive overview of the application of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in photocatalytic and electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reactions (HER), essential for clean and sustainable hydrogen production. It explores the distinctive structural characteristics of MOFs, including their high surface area, tunable pore environments, and versatile metal centers, which enable efficient hydrogen generation. It also introduces catenation as a modification strategy, with studies showing that catenated MOF exhibit exceptional porosity, with structures that can reach up to 65 % porosity. The review explores into current developments in MOF-based photocatalysts and electrocatalysts, addressing strategies to enhance their stability, catalytic performance, and electronic properties. Challenges such as scalability, long-term stability, and reaction efficiency are discussed, along with future perspectives for optimizing MOF-based systems for real-world energy applications.