Synthesis and characterization of metal–organic framework (MOF): importance in electro-catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction

The reaction of oxygen reduction is essential for media of energy storage and transformation, such as fuel cells. The development of effective and highly stable electro-catalysts, such as single-atom catalysts, poses a definite limitation in clean power technologies. Currently, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with a flexible structure and regularly-separated active sites have been developed as unusual and promising precursors for the development of composite particles based on carbon, exhibiting outstanding properties for various applications, particularly in electrochemistry. In this mini-review, the synthesis, characterization, and the role of different MOF-based electro-catalysts, including MOF-based single atom electro-catalysts have been summarized. The impact of active sites (like hetero-atoms and metal central ions), chemical structure, electronic composition, and porosity of MOF-based nano-composites on the behavior of oxygen reduction reaction were explained by combining both laboratory results and analytical estimates. Taking into account ways to improve mass density of sufficient active sites and preserving them from destruction and corrosion.