Designing Self-Supported Metal-Organic Framework Derived Catalysts for Electrochemical Water Splitting.

To achieve efficient water splitting, it is essential to develop catalysts with high electrochemical performance, enhanced durability and tunable properties. Most of the transition metal-based catalysts employed for the water splitting have been fabricated on the solid-electrode support by using binder, which decreases the activity and durability of the catalyst system. In this respect, self-supported metal organic framework (MOF) derived catalysts have been introduced with enhanced catalytic activity and mechanical stability for the electrochemical water splitting. The self-supported MOF derived catalysts exhibit improved electronic conductivity, high electrochemical surface area, enhanced mechanical stability and strong catalyst-support interaction. Moreover, these catalysts possess highly porous and hollow structure with designed morphology and multi-metallic composition. Recently, a tremendous effort has been provided to explore this newly growing field and new dimensions and directions have been achieved. Looking at this point, we have described here the basic principles of catalyst design from self-supported MOF, structural and interface engineering by controlling the electronic structure of the catalysts to improve the water splitting activity. In addition, the challenges and difficulties associated with this field have been pointed out and addressed for the future progress in this field.