In-situ generated MOFs with supportive LDH substrates and their derivatives for photo-electrocatalytic energy production and electrochemical devices: Insights into synthesis, function, performance and mechanism

In-situ generated metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with supportive layered double hydroxide (LDH) substrates is an emerging trend in the construction of functional materials that combines the advantages of both parent materials. As substrates and precursors, LDHs provide the anchoring active sites and metal source for MOFs’ nucleation and growth, and effectively prevent the agglomeration of MOFs. Meanwhile, the as-generated MOFs bring out the increase of the specific surface area and porosity remarkably, therefore exposing more accessible active sites, accelerating the rate of electron transfer and mass diffusion. Noteworthy, the morphology and structure of materials can be designed by regulating the reaction conditions during the in-situ growth of MOFs. This review systematically summarizes and categorizes five synthesis strategies in the in-situ growth of MOFs on the LDH substrates and post-processing strategies to date, with special attention on the mechanisms of materials construction, respectively. Based on the discussion of the superiorities of such combination, excellent performances in the photo-electrocatalytic energy production and electrochemical devices are concluded, including water splitting, carbon dioxide reduction, supercapacitors, and batteries/full cells. This review provides novel ideas for the fabrication of functional materials and their applications in energy fields, contributing to the further development of these fields.