Modulating coordination structures and metal environments of MOFs-Engineered electrocatalysts for water electrolysis

Water electrolysis has been playing an increasingly vital role in the production of renewable hydrogen energy and representing a powerful way to relieve the dependence on fossil fuels effectively. Developing electrocatalysts with high activity, stability, and low cost to reduce the overpotential and improve electrocatalytic efficiency is a pressing task currently. MOF materials have stood out among various electrocatalysts for their tunable coordination structures and metal atom environments that impose essential influence on the practical catalytic performance. Here, we have concluded and discussed the most pivotal advances in engineering MOF nanoarchitectures for efficient water electrolysis thoroughly. First, we give a comprehensive overview for the modulation of coordination structures and metal atom environments in MOF and MOF-derived catalysts. Subsequently, their applications in water splitting are discussed according to the coordination structure and the local atomic environment. We hope this timely review will provide critical information and insights for the further exploration of MOF-based/-derived electrocatalysts for water electrolysis.