Current perspectives in utilizing zeolitic imidazolate frameworks to prepare efficient oxygen evolution catalysts

Abstract

Electrocatalytic water splitting is a sustainable method to resolve the current energy and climate issues. Many research efforts focus on developing low-cost, efficient, and durable electrocatalysts for the half-reaction of water oxidation. Metal–organic framework-based materials are promising electrode materials due to their porous morphology and electronic conductivity. In particular, ZIF-based materials have demonstrated great performance, yet there is still much room to ameliorate the electronic and chemical properties. Recent reports showed that ZIF structure is prone to structural modifications, where electrochemical reconstruction occurs to generate active species during OER. This opinion article highlights the synthetic strategies to elevate the OER performance and durability of ZIF-based electrocatalysts and summarizes the mechanistic studies. Those studies provided insightful information on structural transformation and the formation of real-time intermediates. Finally, future research perspectives are discussed on using ZIF-based materials to design high-performing OER catalysts at the level of industrial use.