Electrocatalytic conversion of CO₂ into selective carbonaceous fuels using metal-organic frameworks: An overview of recent progress and perspectives

The tremendous increase in anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions has harmed the global environment, causing severe pollution and climatic disruption. The sustainable conversion of CO₂ into value-added fuels is desirable for achieving carbon neutrality. Electrocatalytic CO₂ conversion is regarded as the most promising method for producing valuable-added fuels. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with tunable structures, numerous active metal sites, and customizable pore sizes have recently emerged as efficient electrocatalysts for the selective conversion of CO₂ to carbonaceous fuels. The present review paper will concentrate on recent developments in the development of MOF and its related materials as electrode platforms for electrocatalytic CO₂ conversion processes. The selective electrocatalytic conversion of products from CO₂ to carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH₄), and liquid fuels using MOF-based electrocatalysts is thoroughly explored. The higher current density, higher conversion efficiency, and excellent stability of MOF-based electrodes are mainly due to the synergetic combination of high surface area, and porous structure along active metal sites. Finally, the problems and prospects of MOF as an electrocatalyst are discussed to emphasize the efficient conversion of CO and other important products. This review is expected to provide a greater understanding of MOF as an electrocatalyst for the future development of CO₂ conversion on a larger scale.