Research Progress and Future Directions of Metal-Organic Framework-Derived Single-Atom Catalysts for Electrolytic Water Splitting

Department of Materials Technology, Shanghai Institute of Technology, 201418 Fengxian Direction Shanghai, China

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Addressing the high cost and limited efficiency of precious metal catalysts in water electrolysis for hydrogen production, single-atom catalysts (SACs) have emerged as promising alternatives due to their nearly 100% atomic utilization and exceptional catalytic activity. However, their tendency to migrate and agglomerate under operational conditions poses a significant challenge to their practical application. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), with their well-defined pore structures and ultra-high specific surface areas, offer an ideal platform to address these issues by precisely anchoring and stabilizing single atoms. Based on this premise, this review focuses on single-atom catalysts derived from metal-organic framework precursors. It systematically summarizes the synthesis strategies, performance tuning mechanisms, and recent advances in their application for water electrolysis. Furthermore, the key challenges currently hindering their large-scale preparation and long-term stability are critically analyzed. This review aims to provide theoretical insights and research directions for the design of highly efficient and cost-effective catalysts for sustainable hydrogen production.