Metal-organic framework-based materials as key components in electrocatalytic oxidation and reduction reactions

Studies have extensively addressed the development of electrocatalytic technologies for energy storage and conversion, fuel production, and environmental protection. Electrode processes such as different oxidation and reduction reactions play a vital and significant role in these technologies. In this regard, efficient, inexpensive, and stable electrocatalysts capable can significantly promote electrochemical reactions. Unique features of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) such as their high porosity, tunable structure, size, and pore shape, high surface area, and redox properties have introduced them as an ideal electrocatalyst candidate. This review is thus aimed at elucidating the role of MOF-based materials (pristine, derivatives and composites) as efficient electrocatalysts in energy and sensing-related oxidation and reduction reactions such as oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR), carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR), urea oxidation reaction (UOR), alcohol oxidation reaction (AOR), nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR), and glucose oxidation reaction (GOR) in advanced energy and sensing devices. Also, the structure–property relationship of the electrocatalyst was elaborated for each electrocatalytic reaction. Finally, perspectives on the potential research topics for practical use of MOF-based electrocatalysts are addressed. The present review can improve the interest in MOF-based electrocatalysts to study different oxidation and reduction reactions in energy and sensing systems.