Recent advances in metal-organic frameworks for oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalysts

The anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) can be combined with various cathodic reactions to enable the electrochemical synthesis of diverse chemicals and fuels, particularly in water electrolysis for hydrogen production. It is however exhibiting a high overpotential due to the sluggish four-electron transfer process, which is considered the decisive reaction in energy conversion systems. In recent years, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as the ideal catalysts for accelerating OER. This is primarily because of their orderly porous architecture, structural tailorability, and compositional diversity. This review systematically summarizes the recent research progress in pristine MOF electrocatalysts for OER, which covers the construction strategies and electrocatalytic performance of more than eight types of MOFs. Additionally, the partial/complete structural reconstructions and their effects on MOF-based OER electrocatalysts are highlighted. In particular, the development process of “discovery, explanation, and utilization” for the structural reconstructions of MOF electrocatalysts is outlined. Furthermore, the catalytic mechanisms are elaborated in detail, aiming to provide insight into the rational design and performance optimization of MOF-based OER electrocatalysts. The challenges and future perspectives of MOF-based OER electrocatalysts for industrial applications are also discussed.