Electrochemical conversion of CO₂ using metalorganic frameworks-based materials: A review on recent progresses and outlooks

Global warming has been mainly attributed to the excessive release of carbon dioxide (CO₂) to the atmosphere. Several CO₂ capture and conversion technologies have been developed in the past few decades with their own merits and limitations. Electrochemical conversion of CO₂ is one of the most attractive techniques for combating CO₂ emissions. However, the efficacy of the electrochemical reduction of CO₂ hinges on the efficiency of the utilized materials (i.e., electrocatalysts). Metal organic frameworks (MOFs)-based materials have recently emerged as attractive tools for various applications, including the electrochemical conversion of CO₂. Although there are some review articles on CO₂ capture and conversion using different materials, reviews focusing specifically on the electrochemical conversion of CO₂ using MOFs-based materials are still comparatively lacking. Additionally, the field of electrochemical conversion of CO₂ into valuable chemicals is currently gaining high momentum, requiring comprehensive and recent reviews, which would provide researchers/professionals with a quick and easy access to the recent developments in this rapidly evolving research area. Accordingly, this article comprehensively reviews recent studies on the electrochemical conversion of CO₂ using pristine/modified/functionalized MOFs as well as composite materials containing MOFs. Additionally, single atom catalysts (SACs) derived from MOFs and their applications for the electrochemical conversion of CO₂ has also been reviewed. Furthermore, obstacles, challenges, limitations, and remaining research gaps have been identified, and future works to tackle them have been highlighted. Overall, this review article provides valuable discussion and insights into the recent advancements in the field of electrochemical conversion of CO₂ into chemicals using MOFs-based materials.