Current progress in metal–organic frameworks and their derivatives for electrocatalytic water splitting

The shortage of conventional energy is a major challenge today. Electrocatalytic water splitting producing hydrogen has been widely recognized as the sustainable mode to address the energy crisis. However, its catalysts suffer from inefficiency. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are a class of novel porous materials with tunable porosity and adjustable structure, which serve as valuable catalysts for electrocatalytic water splitting. Herein, the latest research progress of MOF-based materials towards efficient electrolysis of water is presented, including the design and preparation strategies of catalysts as well as the challenges faced. Firstly, the mechanism of water splitting is succinctly explicated. Subsequently, the synthesis principle and electrochemical property enhancement strategy of MOFs and their derivatives are emphatically summarized. Finally, the current major challenges of MOF-based materials are discussed, along with perspectives for future investigation directions.