An electroanalytical overview of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs)

The development of sustainable energy and extremely sensitive sensors has become increasingly important as global energy and sensing demand has risen drastically in this century. Electrochemical energy storage devices, electrochemical sensors, and electrocatalysis technologies like the O₂ reduction reaction, O₂ evolution reaction, rapid depletion of fossil fuels, H₂ evolution reaction, CO₂ reduction reaction and N₂ reduction reaction are all highly wanted. The performance of these devices is highly dependent on the electrode materials, which has sparked a lot of interest in the development of new electrode active substances. Metal–organic frameworks with redox-activity (MOFs) are regarded as viable candidates for active substances for such electrochemical applications due to their remarkable structural designability, large specific surface area, and tunable active sites. This chapter covers the processes of MOFs, design techniques for MOF electrodes, and a detailed summary of current MOF developments in electrochemical sensing, electrochemical energy storage, and electrocatalysts. Finally, the challenges and prospects of MOFs in practical applications are thoroughly discussed, paving the way for the development of MOF-based electrochemical devices.