Recent advances in metal–organic framework-derived materials for electrocatalytic and photocatalytic CO2 reduction

The extensive combustion of fossil fuels along with uncontrolled release of carbon dioxide (CO2) has led to severe environmental contamination and global greenhouse effects. Carbon neutrality and low-carbon development are urgent demands for the enduring progress of human society. The utilization of electrocatalytic and photocatalytic reduction reaction to convert CO2 into valuable chemicals is viewed as a hopeful approach for addressing environmental issues and energy crises. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are discovered to have extensive applications in the areas of electrocatalysis and photocatalysis because of their high porosity, versatile compositions and structural tunability. With the help of designed MOF structures and specific synthesis methods, it is convenient and targeted to regulate the morphologies and electronic structures of MOF-derived materials with higher stability, further affecting their catalytic performance towards CO2 reduction. In order to enhance catalytic performance to meet application requirements, it is essential to investigate the relationship between the morphologies, electronic structures of MOF-derived materials and their performances. In this review, to reveal the reaction mechanisms and provide theoretical support for catalyst design, the fundamentals of CO2 reduction through electrocatalytic and photocatalytic pathways are discussed. Subsequently, an overview of the developments in MOF-derived materials for electrocatalytic and photocatalytic CO2 reduction is presented, focusing on different optimization strategies such as morphology control and electronic modification. Finally, we outline the difficulties and opportunities for advancing MOF-derived materials in electrocatalytic and photocatalytic CO2 reduction, along with the strategies for developing electrocatalysts and photocatalysts with excellent performance.