Metal-organic frameworks-based single-atom catalysts: From synthesis to sustainable electrocatalytic systems

Abstract

Metal-organic-frameworks (MOFs)-based single-atom catalysts (SACs) are extensively employed as emergent electrocatalysts in various electrochemical energy conversion and storage systems. They are prized for the utilization of metal atoms with the existence of unsaturated metal sites and a significant range of active sites. The SACs play a pivotal role in bridging between homogenous and heterogeneous catalysts which extended substantial recognition over recent years. The present review describes the new development in the preparation of MOF-based SACs and their state-of-the-art electrocatalytic applications. The coordination structures, atom proximity control, divergent single-atom-host combinations, and correlate them to their intrinsic electrocatalytic applications toward water splitting, oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR), nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR), etc. are highlighted. The figure-of-merit, frontiers in the field, critical challenges, and future developments of MOFs-derived SACs for potential applications in clean and sustainable energy technologies are also described.