Modifying MOF Electrocatalysts for Enhanced Oxygen and Hydrogen Evolution Reactions

As a cornerstone technology for sustainable hydrogen production, electrocatalytic water splitting has spurred the development of various catalysts, among which metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as highly promising candidates for both the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Hence, a timely and comprehensive review of the progress in this area is highly desirable. This review comprehensively summarizes recent advances in the rational design and modification of MOF electrocatalysts, with a critical analysis of various strategies employed to enhance their catalytic performance, including morphology engineering, doping engineering, reconstruction-guided design, composite material engineering, facet engineering, and defect engineering. Their applications are highlighted in HER catalysis, OER catalysis, HER&OER bifunctional catalysis, and alternative oxidation reactions catalysis (replacing OER). Despite notable achievements, challenges remain in terms of operational stability under industrial conditions, mechanistic understanding, and scalable synthesis. This review outlines prospective research directions aimed at bridging the gap between laboratory research and industrial application, providing insights for the development of next-generation high-performance MOF electrocatalysts for water splitting and hydrogen production.