Metal–organic framework-derived single atom catalysts for electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide to C1 products

Abstract

Electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (eCO₂ RR) is an efficient strategy to relieve global environmental and energy issues by converting excess CO₂ from the atmosphere to value-added products. Single-atom catalysts (SACs) derived from metal–organic frameworks (MOF), which feature unique active sites and adjustable structures, are emerging as extraordinary materials for eCO₂ RR. By modulating the MOF precursors and their fabrication strategy, MOF-derived SACs with specific-site coordination configuration have been recently designed for the conversion of CO₂ to targeted products. In the first part of this review, MOF synthesis routes to afford well-dispersed SACs along with the respective synthesis strategy have been systematically reviewed, and typical examples for each strategy have been discussed. Compared with traditional M-N₄ active sites, SACs with regulated coordination structures have been rapidly developed for eCO₂ RR. Secondly, the relationship between regulation of the coordination environment of the central metal atoms, including asymmetrical M-N_x sites, hetero-atom doped M-N_x sites, and dual-metal active sites (M–M sites), and their respective catalytic performance has been systematically discussed. Finally, the challenges and future research directions for the application of SACs derived from MOFs for eCO₂ RR have been proposed.