Promises of MOF-Based and MOF-Derived Materials for Electrocatalytic CO₂ Reduction

Electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction (ECR) powered by renewable electricity is a promising technology to mitigate carbon emissions and lessen the dependence on fossil fuels toward a carbon-neutral energy cycle. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and their derivatives, due to their excellent intrinsic activity, have emerged as promising materials for the ECR to high-demand products. However, challenges such as unsatisfactory energy efficiency, selectivity, and relatively low production rates hinder their industrial scalability. Here, a comprehensive and critical review is presented that summarizes the state-of-the-art progress in MOF-based and MOF-derived CO₂ electroreduction catalysts from design and functionality perspectives. The fundamentals of CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) over heterogeneous catalysts, reaction mechanisms, and key challenges faced by ECR are described first to establish a solid foundation for forthcoming in-depth analyses. MOF's building blocks, properties, and shortcomings pertinent to ECR including low conductivity and stability, are systematically discussed. Moreover, comprehensive discussions are provided on MOF-based and MOF-derived catalysts design, fabrication, characterization, and CO₂RR activity to pinpoint the intricate structure-property-performance relationship. Finally, promising recommendations are put forward for enhancing MOF electrocatalysts activity, selectivity, and durability. This work may serve as a guideline for developing high-performance MOF-related catalysts for CO₂RR, benefiting researchers working in this growing and potentially game-changing area.