Metal-organic framework composites for electrochemical CO₂ reduction reaction

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels in the atmosphere are quickly increasing as a consequence of anthropogenic activities, which present grave hazards and dangerous circumstances to not only humanity but also the ecosystem. Currently, electrochemical CO₂ conversion to chemical/fuels remains one of the best methods for minimizing CO₂ concentrations. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) composite materials have been considered as new class of highly-performed electrocatalysts for CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR) due to their wide surface area, higher porosity, chemical tunability and excellent stability. This article presents major approaches for electrochemical CO₂RR to value-added product. These were followed by discussing the recent advancements in MOF composite electrocatalysts for CO₂RR including active sites MOF-supported electrocatalysts, metal-nanoparticles-supported MOFs, conductive supported MOFs composites, and polyoxometalate-based MOF composites. Lastly, some challenges currently facing MOF composites for CO₂RR as well as anticipated future advances were discussed. Research hotspot lies in the creation of highly effective CO₂RR electrocatalyst such as ligand engineering in MOFs. It is believed that the current study will contribute to accelerating the fabrication of efficient MOF composite materials for abating the CO₂ emission in the ecosystem and to highlight the necessity for further research to address significant environmental sustainability concerns.