Nanoporous Metal–Organic Frameworks for Electroreduction of Nitrogen and Carbon Dioxide: A Review

Abstract

The design and progress of smart hybrid materials are inspired by persistent challenges accompanied by the clean and green energy crisis and environmental remediation. However, the emergence of multifunctional nanomaterials has been captivating, and the real eagerness lies in decorating materials with flexible properties. The framework materials constituted with metal ions and organic ligands called metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are recognized as promising candidates for electrocatalytic applications and gas adsorption. Still, their durability is challenged by low electrical conductivity, limited chemical stability, and intricate pores. Researchers have tried to develop MOF-assisted hybrid materials with rich surface chemistry due to their compositional versatility to improve pristine MOF stability. This review comprises the basic fundamentals and chemistry of MOFs, nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR), and electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2RR), different types of MOF-based materials utilized for NRR and CO2RR, responsible factors, mechanistic pathways, and future viewpoints.