MOF-derived nanoarrays as advanced electrocatalysts for water splitting

Developing efficient, nanostructured electrocatalysts with the desired compositions and structures is of great significance for improving the efficiency of water splitting toward hydrogen production. In this regard, metal-organic framework (MOF) derived nanoarrays have attracted great attention as promising electrocatalysts because of their diverse compositions and adjustable structures. In this review, the recent progress in MOF-derived nanoarrays for electrochemical water splitting is summarized, highlighting the structural design of the MOF-derived nanoarrays and the electrocatalytic performance of the derived composite carbon materials, oxides, hydroxides, sulfides, and phosphides. In particular, the structure-performance relationships of the MOF-derived nanoarrays and the modulation strategies toward enhanced catalytic activity for both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are discussed, providing insights into the development of advanced catalysts for the HER and OER. The challenges and prospects in this promising field for future industrial applications are also addressed.